DOJ seeks order to isolate Alaska ballots as inquiry continues

The Justice Department asked a federal judge to order Alaska officials to preserve and segregate ballots ranking challenger Daniel J. Sullivan, saying they may be examined for voter confusion. The request comes days before the Senate election as federal officials investigate the candidate’s entry into the race and Mary Peltola denies involvement in recruiting him. Alaska officials question whether ballots can be separated without compromising ballot secrecy.

• The Justice Department asked a judge to decide by Monday whether Alaska officials must preserve and segregate ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan, to investigate whether voters were confused.· 2 sources
• Federal prosecutors confirmed a criminal investigation but declined to identify potential crimes or its targets; they said recent reporting about the candidate’s recruitment led to increased investigative activity.· 2 sources
• Mary Peltola and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee have denied involvement in recruiting Daniel J. Sullivan. Peltola said she had no knowledge of the effort and rejected the allegations.· 2 sources
• Alaska’s lawyers said ballots are commingled and that separating them could violate ballot secrecy; they also said the ballot distinguishes the candidates and ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank both.· 1 source
• The race features incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan and challenger Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., alongside Democratic candidate Mary Peltola. The election was scheduled for November 3.· 1 source