US Department of Justice expands its probe into Alaska’s US Senate election

What the report says

The Trump administration has broadened a Justice Department investigation into Alaska’s US Senate election, focusing on allegations that Democrats fielded a “spoiler” candidate to confuse voters and help the Republican contender lose. According to Al Jazeera, federal prosecutors sent target letters on Tuesday to several people, including attorney Marc Elias, warning that investigators believe they may be tied to a possible crime and could face future indictment.

The race centers on incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who is challenging Democratic former congresswoman Mary Peltola in a contest that could affect control of the Senate. A separate candidate in the race is also named Dan Sullivan. Trump and administration officials have claimed Democrats intentionally encouraged that candidate’s run to create confusion on the ballot. Democrats deny any wrongdoing and say ballots clearly distinguish between the two candidates.

Elias said in a statement that he was being targeted on Election Day and rejected the inquiry as a sham. Al Jazeera reported that the Justice Department had also previously tried, unsuccessfully, to block certification of the Alaska result if the incumbent lost. The Associated Press, as cited by Al Jazeera, said the investigation has involved more than 100 subpoenas so far. The broader significance is that the dispute has turned a close Senate race into a test of election administration and partisan accusations over voter confusion.