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Peltola denies knowing about Alaska ballot scheme
BBC News·
Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola denied an alleged scheme putting two Dan Sullivans on the Alaska ballot. The Trump administration asked officials to segregate ballots ranking retired teacher Dan J Sullivan. US attorney Michael Heyman said civil and criminal investigations continue. Administration lawyers sought a court order before Monday to preserve those ballots. No charges were filed Friday evening.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Alaska voters using ranked ballots may rank both Dan Sullivans; a court order could require officials to set aside ballots listing Dan J Sullivan for review.
- Subpoenas tied to the recruitment probe can reach Democratic officials before Election Day while the Alaska governor’s inquiry runs in parallel.
- A federal lawsuit seeks to block certification if the Trump-backed Sullivan loses, citing voter confusion from duplicate names.
What's Happening
- Peltola told voters Thursday she knew only about herself and the incumbent on the ballot.
- The New York Times reported her team worked to recruit spoiler candidates; the BBC has not independently verified that reporting.
- Senator Dan S Sullivan and allies accused Democrats of trying to confuse voters in a tight Senate race.
Ranked-choice voting in Alaska
- Alaska uses ranked-choice voting, so voters can rank multiple candidates including both Sullivans.
- Cook Political Report classifies the seat among the closest watched in the midterms.
- Legal experts told the BBC Alaska law lacks specific good-faith requirements for candidates standing for office.
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