Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27
Judge Puts 2 Dan Sullivans on Alaska Senate Primary Ballot
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27

Judge Puts 2 Dan Sullivans on Alaska Senate Primary Ballot

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 27

Summary

  • Alaska Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Matthews ordered Dan J. Sullivan onto the U.S. Senate primary ballot, reversing a state elections official who had ruled him ineligible.
  • Matthews said the Division of Elections lacked any basis in the U.S. Constitution, Alaska law or its own regulations to remove him, and improperly applied a previously unidentified “good-faith” standard.
  • The ruling is expected to be appealed to the Alaska Supreme Court, leaving the ballot fight unresolved even as it temporarily restores a second Dan Sullivan to the race.
  • Dan J. Sullivan is not expected to run a competitive campaign, but Republicans argue his similar name could complicate Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan’s re-election bid and aid Democrats.

Insights

How can election systems prevent voter confusion when candidates share a name, without restricting ballot access?
Should officials have the power to disqualify candidates based on their perceived 'good faith' intentions?