DOJ challenges state election processes nationwide

The Trump administration has pursued lawsuits seeking greater federal influence over state-run elections, including a case asking Alaska not to certify its Senate results if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses, based on alleged voter confusion with a similarly named candidate. Alaska Democrats and election-law specialists say the challenge lacks a legal basis, noting that the Constitution gives states—and, in limited respects, Congress—authority over federal election procedures, not the president. In California, the Justice Department is seeking to stop the counting of mail ballots from voters it suspects may be noncitizens, while also attempting to appeal before the trial judge has ruled. Other efforts to expand federal control, including a bid involving the Postal Service, have faced setbacks. Trump has also intensified campaign activity and spending for Republicans, though the cited commentary says the spending has not appeared to move polls in the party’s favor.