Alaska's Senate election is potentially headed for controversy, with Republicans considering contesting the results if Mary Peltola, the Democratic candidate, is declared the winner. The state's GOP-run elections office may refuse to certify the outcome, putting the result in limbo.
This move could be based on allegations that a second candidate, also named Dan Sullivan, was recruited to confuse voters and siphon votes away from the incumbent Republican senator. A recent New York Times report appears to substantiate these claims, which could lead to a challenge of Peltola's election.
Republicans may object to her being seated in the Senate, citing the constitutional power of senators to judge the elections and qualifications of their own members. However, this path is uncertain and relies on various factors, including the outcome of the election and potential investigations into alleged wrongdoing.
The situation is further complicated by the possibility that voters may have mistakenly marked the wrong Sullivan on their ballots. An investigation into this matter has been requested, and the state's governor has asked the Department of Public Safety to look into potential lawbreaking.
The lieutenant governor, who oversees the elections office, could delay Peltola's certification if the outcome is called into doubt. The process for contesting a candidate's election in the Senate is unclear, but it may involve objections from Republican senators or even a refusal by the vice president to administer the oath of office.