DOJ Seeks to Block Alaska Senate Certification if Peltola Wins

The U.S. Justice Department asked a federal judge to block certification of Alaska’s Senate election if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses to Democrat Mary Peltola, arguing votes for another candidate named Dan Sullivan could affect the result. Alaska’s government urged the court to dismiss the case, saying the candidates are distinguishable on the ballot and that separating votes would violate voter privacy. The filings put the dispute before U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Gleason, who set October 31 as the deadline for arguments on whether to dismiss the lawsuit without a hearing. The Justice Department’s request, filed October 30, seeks a preliminary injunction preventing certification if Peltola wins while the department investigates possible voter confusion. The department alleges that Daniel J. Sullivan, a retired teacher from Petersburg, was brought into the race to confuse voters and benefit Peltola’s campaign. It argues that monetary damages could not compensate Alaskans who were allegedly misled into voting for him. Those claims remain allegations, not findings by the court. Peltola has denied involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan. The state’s filing says the...