Justice Department Seeks to Segregate Alaska Ballots in Senate Probe
DOJ asks court to isolate ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan, citing voter confusion, as federal prosecutors confirm a criminal probe days before Alaska's Senate election.
The story in focus
The U.S. Justice Department asked a court to segregate Alaska ballots ranking candidate Daniel J. Sullivan to investigate potential voter confusion, while Alaska's U.S. attorney confirmed an ongoing criminal probe tied to the Senate candidate who shares a name with Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan, days before the ranked-choice election.
- DOJ filed Friday for an order to preserve and segregate ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan for possible investigation of voter confusion.
- Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman confirmed a months-long criminal probe and a surge of law enforcement assets after New York Times revelations.
- State attorneys argued segregation would violate ballot secrecy and noted the ballot already lists the two Sullivans differently.
- Peltola denied knowing of any recruitment effort, saying she is not interested in tricking voters.
- The race between Sen. Dan Sullivan and former Rep. Mary Peltola is among those expected to determine Senate control.
Federal request and criminal probe
The U.S. Department of Justice asked a judge Friday to order Alaska election officials to preserve and segregate all ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan, citing a substantial risk that his candidacy could mislead voters and produce an electoral process lacking integrity. The filing, part of a lawsuit filed last week, seeks a decision by Monday.
Separately, Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman told reporters in Anchorage that a criminal investigation has been ongoing for several months. He said recent reporting by The New York Times that Peltola's campaign appeared involved in recruiting retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan led to a significant surge of law enforcement assets to Alaska. He did not identify potential crimes or targets.
State response and ballot distinctions
Attorneys for the state argued that ballots are commingled on Election Day and cannot be segregated without violating ballot secrecy protections. They said segregation would not reveal any voter's reason for ranking Dan J. Sullivan and asked a judge to dismiss the case.
State officials noted the ballot already distinguishes the candidates: the incumbent is listed as Dan S. Sullivan, Republican and incumbent, while the challenger appears as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., no party affiliation. They argued Alaska's ranked-choice system further addresses confusion by allowing voters to rank both.
Campaign reactions and stakes
Peltola denied knowing anything about efforts to place Dan J. Sullivan on the ballot, telling KTUU she had no idea whether someone on her campaign was involved. Democrats and Dan J. Sullivan have denied any campaign trick.
The developments come days before Tuesday's ranked-choice general election between two-term Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola. The race is among a handful nationwide expected to determine control of the Senate. President Donald Trump said at a Florida rally that Peltola and Dan J. Sullivan should be prosecuted.
What does the Justice Department want a court to do with Alaska ballots?
It seeks an order requiring state officials to preserve and segregate all ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan so investigators can examine whether those rankings resulted from voter confusion, should an investigation become necessary.
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