Alaska Democratic Party Challenges Candidate’s Eligibility Over Disclosure Issue

Understanding the Alaska Democratic Party’s Legal Challenge

“I Voted” stickers at the Alaska Division of Elections office in Anchorage on Oct. 13, 2020. (Emily Mesner / ADN archive)

Recently, the Alaska Democratic Party has taken a legal stand against the state Division of Elections for allegedly permitting a legislative candidate, Jose Tagle, to participate in the elections without declaring personal financial information as required. The party is seeking to invalidate Jose Tagle’s candidacy via an administrative appeal filed in Anchorage Superior Court.

Alleged Misrepresentation in Financial Disclosure

Tagle, the Republican candidate competing against East Anchorage Democratic Rep. Ted Eischeid, submitted a declaration of income and financial interests as mandated by law before the election. However, the disclosure form was blank, despite Tagle being a self-proclaimed small business owner. The Alaska Democratic Party argues that this lack of information should lead to Tagle’s disqualification from the race.

Contest over Enforcement of Election Laws

Despite the alleged misrepresentation, Tagle is featured on the sample ballots for the August primary released post the ballot printing deadline last week. The Alaska Democratic Party has accused the Division of Elections of selectively enforcing election laws, bypassing violations when committed by a Republican candidate.

Alaska Election Laws and Transparency

The Alaskan law necessitates political candidates to disclose all income sources over $1,000 and their personal and business financial interests by the June 1 deadline. Failing to provide accurate financial information is seen as a breach of voter’s rights to transparency by the Alaska Democratic Party, who believes the Division of Elections should enforce candidate eligibility requirements.

Next Steps in the Legal Challenge

The Division of Elections has begun printing ballots, planning to defend its decision in court after the primary. A motion for expedited consideration of the appeal was granted, with oral arguments scheduled for August 7 at Anchorage’s Nesbett Courthouse. As of now, Tagle has not responded to requests for comment, and no email address or campaign website is listed on his candidate information.

The case emerges amid another contentious ballot dispute, involving a namesake challenger who filed to run as a Republican against GOP U.S. Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The Division initially removed Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher, from the ballot, alleging intent to confuse voters, but the Alaska Supreme Court ruled in favor of his candidacy.