Al Franken's vote-tally appeal blunted [View All]

[formercia]

Source: startribune.com



He wants erroneously rejected absentee ballots to be counted in the state's official tally, which will be certified today. The recount is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

By KEVIN DUCHSCHERE, MIKE KASZUBA and MARK BRUNSWICK, Star Tribune staff writers

Last update: November 18, 2008 - 7:03 AM


DFLer Al Franken asked Monday to have rejected absentee ballots be considered in the U.S. Senate election results that are to be certified today by a state board, a move later blunted by an attorney general's opinion that the issue should be left to the courts.

The eleventh-hour maneuvering occurred as the five-member state Canvassing Board prepared to meet at 1 p.m. today in St. Paul to review results showing Republican Sen. Norm Coleman with a lead of 215 votes out of more than 2.9 million cast.

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Wrote Assistant Attorney General Kenneth Raschke Jr.: "Courts that have reviewed this issue have opined that rejected absentee or provisional ballots are not cast in an election." Improperly rejected absentee ballots can be challenged in court, he wrote.

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Read more: http://www.startribune.com/politics/state/34607244.html

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Al Franken is going to need our help to make sure every vote is counted.