Alaska woman appeals voter fraud charges in case that puts spotlight on status of American Samoans

1 / 3

Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Michael Pese, left, his wife, Tupe Smith, and their son Maximus pose for a photo outside the Boney Courthouse in Anchorage, Alaska, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026, ahead of the Alaska Court of Appeals hearing a challenge to the voter fraud case brought against her by the state. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen)