Nageak files lawsuits against state officials over election

The losing incumbent in a northern Alaska state legislative race has filed two lawsuits against state elections officials, alleging illegal procedures were followed.

KTVA-TV reports Democrat Benjamin Nageak filed the lawsuits Friday against Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott and Division of Elections Director Josie Bahnke over the House District 40 race.

A recount confirmed challenger Dean Westlake won the race by eight votes, after initial certified results showed Westlake leading by four votes.

Attorneys for Nageak allege voters in more than one precinct were illegally given both a Republican ballot and a Democrat ballot.

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