By Basant El-Faramawy
A federal judge in Alaska on Sunday dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit seeking to separate and preserve certain ballots in the state’s upcoming Senate election, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faces Democrat Mary Peltola.
Ruling cites secret ballot rights
U.S. District Judge Sharon Gleason wrote that segregating ballots cast for Dan J. Sullivan — a candidate with the same name as the incumbent — would “violate Alaskans’ right to a secret ballot.” The judge noted the government offered no explanation of how its requested relief could redress its alleged injury while maintaining ballot secrecy.
DOJ plans appeal
The Justice Department said it will appeal the ruling, arguing that Dan J. Sullivan entered the race as a “frivolous candidate to confuse voters.” A spokesperson stated the court dismissed the case on procedural grounds but did not dispute the United States’ argument about voter confusion.
Political context
Republicans have criticized Dan J. Sullivan’s presence on the ballot for months after he won a primary in August. Sen. Dan Sullivan and his allies have accused Democrats of recruiting the second Sullivan, a charge the Peltola campaign has denied. In a Truth Social post, President Donald Trump accused Dan J. Sullivan of committing a “criminal act.” The senator said he would accept the election results regardless of the outcome.
