Alaska lawmakers scrutinize Dunleavy’s attorney general appointee ahead of confirmation vote

Alaska lawmakers pressed attorney general appointee Stephen Cox on his understanding of the state's constitutional right to privacy and handling of voter data. Cox, appointed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy last August, faced questions from state senators on his role in the state's decision to share voter information with the U.S. Department of Justice. The decision was criticized by voting and civil rights groups, who sued Alaska elections officials, alleging the sharing of voter data was unconstitutional. Cox argued that the Division of Elections is allowed to divulge voter information to government officials for governmental purposes authorized under law. Lawmakers also scrutinized Cox's record of joining multi-state amicus briefs, with some topics including limits on transgender girls in girls' sports and the application of the Voting Rights Act. Cox will face a confirmation vote after the hearings.