Trump administration’s bid to block election certification in Alaska thrown out by judge
A federal judge dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit that sought to block the certification of Alaska's U.S. Senate race. The judge ruled the request was infeasible given that early voting had already commenced and there was no way to isolate specific ballots without violating voter privacy.
Why it matters
The ruling impacts the legal landscape of election administration and the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan at a Halloween event in Alaska on Saturday. Lindsey Wasson/The Associated Press
A federal judge on Sunday dismissed a Justice Department lawsuit seeking to block certification of Alaska’s U.S. Senate race if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses, the latest development in a ballot controversy that has roiled the final days of one of the nation’s most closely watched races.
Sullivan, an ally of President Donald Trump, faces Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman, in a race that is among a handful expected to determine which party controls the Senate for the final two years of Trump’s term.
Tuesday’s ranked-choice election also includes two candidates who have done little campaigning, one of whom shares the incumbent’s name. It was that candidate’s presence on the ballot that prompted Trump to push for the lawsuit out of fear he would siphon votes from the incumbent.
Headlinne story · 5 newsrooms
Federal Judge Throws Out Justice Department Lawsuit Over Alaska Senate Ballot
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Also covering this story
5 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Attorneys for Alaska say 'meritless' Trump demand to set aside Senate ballots 'not even possible'
Alaska officials ask judge to deny Trump administration’s ‘impossible’ demand to set aside Senate ballots
Judge dismisses Trump lawsuit over two Dan Sullivans in Alaska election
Judge tosses Trump's attempt to block Alaska Senate results if GOP incumbent loses
Sullivan says he’ll accept Alaska Senate results but slams Peltola over alleged ballot scheme
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