A judge will hear arguments Thursday in the court challenge filed by Democrats alleging Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap should not have certified petitions submitted by Herbert Hoffman.

Hoffman, of Ogunquit, wants to have his name on the November ballot in race for the U.S. Senate. An unenrolled candidate, he needed to gather 4,000 signatures to qualify.

If the court agrees with Dunlap, Hoffman will have his name alongside Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, a Democrat.

Judge Donald Marden will hear the case at 2 p.m. in Kennebec County Superior Court in Augusta. A decision is expected by the end of the day on Monday.