DOJ Set to Appeal Ruling in Alaska Senate Race Dispute Over ‘Decoy Dan’

A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit seeking to delay the certification of Alaska’s Senate election, rejecting the bid just before the midterm elections. The lawsuit centered on two candidates with similar names, with the DOJ investigating potential voter confusion. The judge ruled that the government had not shown how the requested investigation could identify voter intent while protecting ballot secrecy and that the relief sought would intrude on Alaska’s election responsibilities.

• A federal judge dismissed the Justice Department’s lawsuit to delay Alaska’s Senate election certification.
• The lawsuit involved “Decoy Dan” controversy with two candidates named Dan Sullivan.
• The DOJ sought to investigate if voter confusion affected the outcome but the judge ruled against it.
• The judge stated the relief sought would intrude on Alaska’s election responsibilities.
• The DOJ plans to appeal the decision, arguing the judge didn’t address the core claim of voter confusion.
• The race’s outcome could determine which party controls the Senate.
• Alaska uses ranked-choice voting.