DOJ insists it just wants Alaska ballots preserved and isn’t seeking to change votes

As of November 2, 2026, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has dramatically accelerated its criminal investigation into Alaska's Senate race involving Democrat Mary Peltola. The DOJ is issuing subpoenas and FBI agents are visiting donors of Dan J. Sullivan, a candidate running against Republican incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. This investigation stems from allegations that Peltola’s campaign collaborated with party operatives to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan, potentially confusing voters. Peltola denies any involvement in the alleged chicanery and has sought to distance herself from the New York Times report linking her campaign to these efforts. The FBI's actions indicate the seriousness of the investigation as federal authorities scrutinize potential voter deception tactics known as "ballot stacking," which may lead to criminal charges.