The Trump administration has intensified criminal and civil investigations into allegations that Democrats recruited a candidate sharing the Republican incumbent’s name to influence Alaska’s closely contested Senate election, escalating federal involvement days before Tuesday’s midterm vote.
The race between Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola could help determine control of the Senate.
Alaska U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman confirmed Friday that a criminal investigation had been underway for months, with additional FBI resources and prosecutors assigned following reporting by The New York Times.
The newspaper reported that individuals associated with Peltola’s campaign and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee helped recruit retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. to enter the race.
Peltola, the committee and the candidate have denied involvement in any coordinated effort.
Federal prosecutors have issued numerous subpoenas and records-preservation requests, while President Donald Trump has publicly called for prosecutions.
Heyman declined to identify potential criminal violations or investigative targets.
The Justice Department also requested a court order preserving and segregating ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., citing concerns that voters might confuse him with the incumbent.
It seeks a ruling by Monday.
Alaska officials oppose the request, arguing that separating ballots could violate voter secrecy protections and would not establish voters’ intentions.
They maintain that ballot descriptions already distinguish the candidates and that ranked-choice voting provides additional safeguards.
The administration’s lawsuit also seeks to prevent certification of the election if the incumbent loses because of the third candidate’s presence.
Meanwhile, federal courts have rejected Justice Department efforts to restrict counting disputed California mail ballots involving approximately 20,000 registered voters whom the administration suspects may be noncitizens.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has separately ordered an investigation, while state Democrats have challenged alleged problems with rural early-voting access.
The expanding legal disputes come amid unprecedented early participation, with approximately 49 million Americans already casting ballots nationwide.