In a dramatic development for Alaska’s razor‑thin U.S. Senate race, Sen. Dan Sullivan’s campaign filed a motion on Monday to intervene in the lawsuit filed by Democrat Mary Peltola’s campaign. The lawsuit, lodged Friday, asks the Alaska Division of Elections to release records on absentee ballots that were preliminarily rejected during the recent midterm election.

Legal arguments and state‑law concerns

Sullivan’s team contends that the suit is an attempt to “rig the system” in Peltola’s favor and would compel election officials to disregard Alaska statutes governing ballot handling. “It should surprise no one that the same D.C. lawyers who spent more than a year conspiring with Mary Peltola’s campaign to deceive Alaskan voters are now asking a court to let her campaign ignore Alaska law and change the rules while votes are still being counted,” said Nate Adams, a spokesperson for Sullivan’s campaign.

Adams added that Peltola’s legal action signals a lack of confidence in winning on the merits alone, suggesting the campaign is seeking to alter the process rather than rely on the votes already cast.

Division of Elections’ response

The Alaska Division of Elections replied that individual voters have not yet been notified that their ballots were rejected, and releasing the data before voters are informed would be improper. The agency emphasized its duty to protect voter privacy and to follow established procedures for handling rejected ballots.

Political backdrop and the “Decoy Dan” controversy

The Senate contest remains extraordinarily close, with Peltola leading Sullivan by just over 600 votes and more than 25% of ballots still to be counted. Republicans, including Governor Mike Dunleavy, have accused Democrats of a “Decoy Dan” scheme, alleging that an independent candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan was placed on the ballot to siphon votes from the incumbent.

Governor Dunleavy noted that the independent candidate used the incumbent’s middle initial, creating confusion among voters. He recalled an earlier investigation by the Division of Elections that concluded the candidacy was not legitimate, though a subsequent court ruling allowed the name to remain on the ballot.

Implications for Alaskans

Both campaigns stress the importance of counting every legally cast ballot. Adams asserted, “Our campaign is following Alaska precedent to make sure every legally cast ballot is counted, and we remain confident that when every one of those ballots is counted, Senator Sullivan will win.” The outcome will hinge on how the remaining absentee and provisional ballots are processed and whether the court permits Peltola’s request for the rejected‑ballot data.

What voters should watch

Alaskans should monitor upcoming court filings and any statements from the Division of Elections regarding the handling of rejected absentee ballots. The legal battle underscores the high stakes of a race that could determine the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.

Fox News contributor Eric Mack contributed to the original report.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.