Judge throws out DOJ bid to stall Alaska Senate vote

A federal judge in Anchorage dismissed the Justice Department’s attempt to delay the certification of Alaska’s Senate election. The suit argued that having two candidates named Dan Sullivan on the ballot could mislead voters, one of whom is the sitting Republican senator. Judge Sharon Gleason ruled the government lacked standing to bring the civil case, and she issued her decision two days before voters go to the polls. The ruling clears the way for Democratic nominee Mary Peltola, who together with state election officials had asked the court to throw out the complaint. President Donald Trump said he ordered the lawsuit, which was filed more than a week earlier, alleging that Peltola and other Democrats recruited a retired school teacher also named Dan Sullivan to create confusion for voters intending to support Sen. Dan Sullivan. The decision is seen as a win for Peltola’s campaign as the election proceeds without the legal hurdle.

Context

Alaska’s Senate race has attracted national attention and the presence of two candidates with identical names can cause ballot errors. Election officials usually address such issues through clear labeling, and this case shows how legal challenges can intersect with campaign strategies in close contests.