Election Challenges: What the Record Shows

The Alaska lawsuit, Ohio voting rules, and why the details matter.

On The Corner | Democracy Watch | October 28, 2026

With Election Day approaching, warnings about voter challenges and certification disputes deserve careful attention. So does the distinction between an allegation, a lawsuit, and a court ruling.

Greg Palast’s recent guest commentary for The Hartmann Report raises concerns about efforts to disqualify ballots and challenge election results. Some of those concerns involve documented legal actions. Others predict what officials might do. For voters here in Ohio and across the country, that difference matters.

Alaska: a real lawsuit, an unresolved outcome

On October 22, the Justice Department sued Alaska, asking a federal court to restrict certification of the U.S. Senate election under specified circumstances. The complaint centers on possible confusion between incumbent Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan and another candidate, Daniel J. Sullivan.

The requested restriction would apply if the incumbent loses and the other Sullivan’s votes could have changed the outcome under the complaint’s proposed calculation. That is a request for court intervention—not a finding that voters were confused or that the election is invalid.

President Trump subsequently acknowledged directing the lawsuit. Alaska election officials have asked the court to dismiss it, and the judge has expedited proceedings. DOJ’s response to the state’s dismissal motion is due October 29. As of this October 28 review, the available case materials show no ruling granting the requested certification restriction.

The case warrants scrutiny. Its filing does not establish that the administration can successfully overturn an election.

Ohio: a challenge is not proof

Ohio law provides a process for challenging a voter’s registration. Challenges filed under Ohio Revised Code 3503.24 must state reasons, be signed under penalty of election falsification, and generally be submitted at least 30 days before the election.

County election boards review their records and, when necessary, hold a hearing with notice to the affected voter. Filing a challenge does not itself establish that someone is ineligible.

A provisional ballot can count

A provisional ballot allows someone to cast a vote when eligibility or identification needs verification. Ohio law requires eligible provisional ballots to be counted after that review.

Some voters must take an additional step. Those who lack acceptable photo identification generally must provide it to their county board of elections within four days after Election Day. Certain challenged voters must also provide supporting documentation within that period. Read the notice provided when voting, and contact your county board promptly if anything is unclear.

Election night is not the finish line

Ohio law requires county boards to complete the official canvass within 21 days after the election. Verification and counting continuing beyond election night are part of the legal process; the passage of time alone does not establish wrongdoing.

For those of us in and around the 330, the practical response is to know the rules, follow up on any ballot problem, and demand evidence for claims about the results.

Democracy requires vigilance—and reporting that tells readers what has happened, what officials are asking courts to do, and what remains unproven.