The Trump administration has stepped up criminal and civil investigations into allegations that Democrats recruited a candidate who shares the name of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan to influence the Alaska Senate election, which has been denied by Mary Plattola, Democratic officials and the candidate involved. Federal prosecutors are seeking to preserve and separate disputed ballots ahead of Tuesday's vote, while Alaska officials are appealing the request over privacy concerns. The developments coincide with broader election litigation by the Justice Department, including unsuccessful efforts to limit the disputed ballot count in California, as early voting nationwide reaches about 49 million. here.

The Trump administration has stepped up criminal and civil investigations into allegations that Democrats recruited a candidate who shares the name of Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan to influence the Alaska Senate election, which has been denied by Mary Plattola, Democratic officials and the candidate involved. Federal prosecutors are seeking to preserve and separate disputed ballots ahead of Tuesday's vote, while Alaska officials are appealing the request over privacy concerns. The developments coincide with broader election litigation by the Justice Department, including unsuccessful efforts to limit the disputed ballot count in California, as early voting nationwide reaches about 49 million. here.