ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – For the third straight Senate election, Alaska voters are waiting to find out who won due to how the state counts ballots.
Officials begin counting absentee and questioned ballots on a rolling schedule a week after the election. A questioned ballot is one that a voter may have cast outside his precinct, or officials question his voting qualifications.
Under state law, absentee ballots can be received up to 10 days after the election if postmarked within the U.S. and up to 15 days if postmarked abroad.
Democratic Sen. Mark Begich trails Republican Dan Sullivan by about 8,100 votes, with thousands of ballot still to be counted.
Begich’s campaign says it respects the timetable of election officials but Republicans say the lead is insurmountable.