Peltola campaign sues Alaska to access rejected absentee ballot records

Democrat Mary Peltola's Senate campaign sued Alaska election officials Friday to access records identifying voters whose absentee ballots were rejected, as the state counts votes in one of the closest 2026 midterm races. The lawsuit, filed in Anchorage against the Division of Elections, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, and Director Carol Beecher, alleges a violation of the Alaska Public Records Act. It seeks the absentee register showing acceptance or rejection codes and reasons for each denial. Thousands of ballots remain outstanding, including those arriving by mail and flown in from remote communities. The campaign argues the records are vital for ensuring all valid votes are counted in the tight contest.