ACLU moves to fight DOJ's bid to block Alaska's Senate results
The Justice Department sued to block certification if Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. The ACLU filed to intervene and asked the court to dismiss.
The ACLU and its Alaska affiliate asked a federal court on Friday to let them fight the Justice Department's lawsuit that seeks to block Alaska from certifying its U.S. Senate results if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.
The ACLU and ACLU of Alaska filed a motion to intervene in United States v. Alaska, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. They represent two Alaska voters, the League of Women Voters of Alaska and Common Cause. With the motion, they filed a proposed motion to dismiss the government's case, according to the ACLU's case page.
What the Justice Department wants
The Justice Department sued Alaska's elections officials this week, less than two weeks before the Nov. 3 election. It asks the court to stop the state from certifying the Senate result if Sullivan loses to Democrat Mary Peltola. The department argues voters could be confused because another candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan, also appears on the ballot. President Trump said he directed the department to file the suit, CNBC reported.
The department's claim rests on the National Voter Registration Act, a federal law about voter registration lists.
What the ACLU says
The ACLU calls the suit frivolous. It says the case rests on a single claim built on the purpose language of that law, and that the claim has no legal basis. The ACLU's page lists the matter as ongoing. We did not find a Justice Department response to the motion.
Where it stands
The court has not ruled on the motion to intervene. Other groups have also moved to join the case, according to Democracy Docket.
What it means for you
States run and certify their own elections. A federal lawsuit filed before a single vote is counted, aimed at stopping a result the government has not seen, asks a court to decide who wins before voters do. We condemn it. If you are registered in Alaska, you can check your registration and find your polling place through the state Division of Elections before Nov. 3.
Sources
- ACLU, United States v. Alaska (case page)
- CNBC: Trump says he ordered DOJ suit to block Alaska Senate race certification if Republican loses
- CNN: Trump DOJ sues to block Alaska US Senate results if Republican incumbent loses
- Axios: Trump administration sues to block Alaska election results if Sullivan loses
- Democracy Docket: Democrats move to fight DOJ's attempt to preemptively block Alaska Senate results
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