Story perspectives

U.S. Attorney Launches Criminal Probe Into Alaska Voter Scheme

By Drooid · Oct 31, 2026 · How we work

Read the story

Story summary

Summary

U.S. Attorney Michael Heyman launched a criminal probe into the Alaska Senate voter-confusion scheme.
The Justice Department sued to block certification if incumbent Dan Sullivan loses because of Dan J. Sullivan votes.
Governor Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation into possible Alaska election law violations.
Alaska Supreme Court allowed Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. on the ballot without party affiliation, listing him separately.

History

The 2000 presidential election hinged on a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Bush v. Gore that halted Florida’s recount, cementing George W. Bush’s win by a certified 537-vote margin. That precedent of federal courts ending state ballot disputes underpins today’s Justice Department investigation of Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan’s voter-confusion scheme, echoing concerns over ballot design and party-affiliation listings first spotlighted in Florida.

1 of 2

The 2000 presidential election hinged on a 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Bush v. Gore that halted Florida’s recount, cementing George W. Bush’s win by a certified 537-vote margin. That precedent of federal courts ending state ballot disputes underpins today’s Justice Department investigation of Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan’s voter-confusion scheme, echoing concerns over ballot design and party-affiliation listings first spotlighted in Florida.

1 / 2