Minn. high court extends recount deadline

[Omaha Steve]

Source: USA Today

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Supreme Court is giving counties a couple more days to sort as many as 1,600 improperly rejected absentee ballots before sending them to the Secretary of State to be included in the U.S. Senate recount.

The high court on Wednesday ordered counties to deliver those ballots to St. Paul by Jan. 2, three days later than the court had initially ordered. That's after an agreement by the two campaigns and Secretary of State Mark Ritchie.

The court is ordering Ritchie's office to count the ballots no later than Jan. 4.

The campaigns will be allowed to challenge the official count during that process, after which the state Canvassing Board will reconvene to rule on those challenges.


Read more: http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-12-24-recount_N.htm

[bluestateguy]

1. These ballots are thought to be slightly pro-Franken, right?

I can't keep track of all the lawsuits and canvassing board decisions.

[Ellipsis]

2. Yes...

That is the belief of the Franken camp anyway.



and thanks for the Update Omaha Steve.

[Unca Jim]

3. Looking at the latest totals...

They seem to be slightly pro-Coleman so far. No surprise as absentee ballots are disproportionately filled out by older folks and they *hate* Al Franken's more irreverent attitude.

Personally, I love Al and want to see him win but it ain't over 'til it's over...

[Zorra]

4. Could you please post a link to a source that has the absentee vote tallies?

I couldn't find one.

Thanks!

[Mnpaul]

6. They aren't counted yet

The envelopes are still sealed.

[dflprincess]

5. I don't know

traditionally older folks tend to vote DFL and even if they dislike Franken, they may very well dislike Coleman more - especially given Normie's relationship with Bush. And, I think they may be more apt to stick with the DFL regardless of who the candidate is just because they consider themselves Democrats.

[Mudoria]

7. It's too bad Minnesota election law didn't make this a runoff

instead of a recount. No matter who wins the loser can cry about the way the recount was conducted and who could really say they would be wrong?

[Mnpaul]

8. Nobody can have a real complaint

The recount was judged fairly and honestly by a bipartisan staff.

[Winterblues]

9. What would be your complaint?

From all that I have heard it has been done in the most fair and accommodating method possible. :shrug: Seems the only ones complaining that I am aware of are Republicans and that is because their guy is losing.

[dflprincess]

10. While I agree we should have a runoff whenever somone gets less that 50% of the vote

(preferably and instant runoff) the recount has been handled very well and no one can will have any real reason to complain.

[ogneopasno]

11. I disagree. This recount is exactly the way a recount should be done. The reason it's taking so

long is that they're considering every ballot carefully. Minnesota has a very clean voting system and clear rules on what to do during a recount; following them properly takes time.

[Dangerously Amused]

12. Please forgive my ignorance, but...

...is there a date certain by which they will finally declare a winner?