Courts Reject Bid by Alaska Democratic Party to Remove Imprisoned Candidate From Ballot

Alaska Supreme Court upholds the decision.

U.S. House candidate Mary Peltola speaks with reporters at her campaign party at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage, Alaska, on Aug. 16, 2022. Kerry Tasker/Reuters

A judge in Alaska rejected a bid by the Alaska Democratic Party to boot an imprisoned Democratic candidate from the ballot, a ruling that was soon upheld by the Alaska Supreme Court.

Superior Court Judge Ian Wheeles on Sept. 10 said that the party did not meet its burden in arguing for a restraining order and injunction that would require Alaska officials to remove Eric Hafner, who is currently in prison in New York City, from the November ballot.