Could Alaska’s ballot controversy and ranked-choice voting end up deciding when the Senate majority becomes clear?

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Yes. Alaska could both determine the Senate majority and delay when that majority is known. The state is one of the few true toss-ups on the map, and multiple reports say control of the chamber could come down to whether Mary Peltola or Sen. Dan Sullivan wins there. Dan Turrentine’s warning fits that math: if Democrats fall short in Alaska, they likely would need additional wins in places such as Ohio, Texas, Michigan, Maine, Kansas or Mississippi. What makes Alaska unusually important is not just the controversy over the second Dan Sullivan name on the ballot, but the state’s election process. Alaska accepts absentee ballots for up to 10 to 15 days after Election Day, depending on where they are mailed from, and if no candidate clears 50% on first choices, the ranked-choice tabulation comes only after that ballot window closes. That means the winner may not be known for roughly two weeks. The ballot dispute adds another layer of uncertainty. The Justice Department has sought to preserve ballots ranking Daniel J. Sullivan while federal and state officials examine whether any voters were confused. Alaska election officials argue the ballot already distinguishes the candidates and that ranked-choice voting lets uncertain voters rank both Sullivans, which could reduce any spoiler effect. Legal experts also say blocking certification would face a high bar. So Alaska may not decide who wins the Senate on election night, but it could decide when the majority becomes clear — and wh…

Democrats Eye Senate Flip From 53-47 Deficit as Operative Cites GOP Candidate Weakness

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Democrats Eye Senate Flip From 53-47 Deficit as Operative Cites GOP Candidate Weakness

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