Summary
A federal judge in Alaska dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to delay certification of the state’s Senate election results if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. Judge Sharon L. Gleason ruled that the Justice Department had not shown that a court order could address the alleged harm or explained how officials could investigate ballots while protecting voter secrecy.Key Facts
- The Justice Department filed the lawsuit last week in federal court in Alaska.
- The lawsuit alleged that teacher Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy could confuse voters because he shares the incumbent senator’s name and party affiliation.
- The Justice Department argued that Daniel J. Sullivan’s candidacy could divert votes and benefit Democrat Mary Peltola.
- Judge Sharon L. Gleason said the department lacked standing because it had not shown that a court order could remedy the alleged harm.
- Gleason said the department offered no workable plan to identify ballots cast for Daniel J. Sullivan while preserving voter secrecy.
- The Justice Department is also criminally investigating an alleged effort to recruit Daniel J. Sullivan to run.
- The department has issued subpoenas to several Democratic officials believed to be connected to the alleged effort.
- No one in the race has been charged with a crime.
