Can the Justice Department stop Alaska from certifying a Senate result?

Alaska's Senate race has two Dan Sullivans on the ballot. One is a retired teacher from Petersburg, whom Republicans call a Democratic plant. He says he decided to run on his own.

The Justice Department sued to block certification if the Republican incumbent loses, arguing a near-identical name could mislead voters and help Mary Peltola. The suit was filed fewer than 11 days before the vote. Election adviser David Becker said he could not recall a federal attempt to block certification filed this close.

The department cannot halt certification on its own. It would need a judge's order. In Becker's view, The feds have absolutely no authority to tell Alaska when and how to certify. He expects the courts to reject the suit.