DOJ sues over Alaska Senate election certification

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Alaska on October 22, 2026, seeking to delay certification of the state’s Senate election if Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan loses under conditions involving votes for another candidate named Sullivan. The lawsuit does not itself prevent the state from certifying results; a federal judge would have to grant the requested relief. The complaint argues that Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.’s presence on the ballot could confuse voters intending to support the incumbent and affect the outcome. It asks the court to block certification if Dan S. Sullivan loses and transferring all votes cast for Daniel J. Sullivan to the incumbent would change the winner under Alaska’s ranked-choice process. The department also seeks an investigation into whether Daniel J. Sullivan’s votes were intended for the incumbent. The filing does not explain how such an investigation would determine voter intent or handle votes considered mistaken. No supplied account establishes how many voters, if any, were confused. The election is scheduled for November 3, and the court has not ruled on the request. Alaska’s Supreme Court upheld Daniel J. Sullivan’s inclusion on the ballot...