MN-HD54A: Minnesota Republicans sue to force election rerun in tight House race where 20 ballots are missing

[RandySF]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Republicans filed a lawsuit Monday to try to force a rerun of a state House race where the incumbent Democrat won by 14 votes — but in which investigators concluded that election workers probably destroyed 20 valid absentee ballots after failing to count them.

It’s a race that could determine the balance of power in the Minnesota House, where leaders from both parties are working out the details of a power-sharing agreement that currently presumes a 67-67 tie when the Legislature convenes next month. A Republican victory in a special election could shift that balance to a two-vote, 68-66 GOP majority.

Democrats have a one-vote majority in the state Senate. So regardless of the outcome in the disputed race, Minnesota will be returning to some degree of divided government in 2025 after two years of full Democratic control.

“The actions of Scott County elections officials constitute a serious breach of not only Minnesota Election Law, but the public trust in our electoral system,” the lawsuit said.

“The actions of Scott County elections officials constitute a serious breach of not only Minnesota Election Law, but the public trust in our electoral system,” the lawsuit said.



https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-election-missing-absentee-ballots-fc1a5ed2a76c9ea376151477b904365a

[MichMan]

1. Wouldn't destruction of ballots be cause for criminal charges?

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Election rerun is as bad as "probably" destroying ballots

You can't replicate election day. Only election rerun day. With a 14 vote lead and 20 ballots destroyed, 15 of those 20 - 75% - would have to go one way to erase the lead. 75% not likely. The race is over by 14 votes. Call it and stop suing over it. Not even a coin toss would be fair because of 75%.