With Coleman leading by fewer than 200 votes in an unfinished race, the Minnesota State Canvassing Board begins reviewing challenged ballots December 16. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie hopes to conclude the count by December 19, however, with the matter of incorrectly rejected absentee ballots unsettled at this point, this goal may not be realistic.
Counties were given the authority to accept the incorrectly rejected ballots but the Coleman campaign has filed litigation to block this procedure. State law dictates that in a race this close, as many ballots as possible should be allowed into a (re)count to insure that the majority of voters' intentions are taken into consideration.
The number of challenged ballots to be reviewed has been reduced to approximately 1,500 (500 challenged by Franken, 1,000 challenged by Coleman). Although the challenged ballots have been made available online through this link, viewers should understand that there could be markings unseen on the online photographs that could render a ballot invalid should the Canvassing Board judge validity as well as voter intent.
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DECEMBER 5: Watch for upcoming news, but in the meantime here are the numbers.
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 99.93%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 99.98 %
Franken recounted votes as of 12/5/2008: 1,207,657 (after Election Day: 1,210,285)
Coleman recounted votes as of 12/5/2008: 1,208,344 (after Election Day: 1,210,995)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 12/5/2008: 3,280
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 12/5/2008: 3,375
VIEW THE CHALLENGED BALLOTS HERE.
Coleman is leading by 687 votes with 1 precinct left to count. There are 6,655 challenged ballots (excluding the challenges withdrawn by the Franken campaign and a large number of challenges that are expected to be drawn by the Coleman campaign). Additionally, there are 131 missing ballots from Ward 3 Precinct 1.
Each of the 6,655 challenged ballots could be rendered invalid, returned to the candidate for whom they were first counted or could go to the other candidate. Deputy Secretary of State Jim Gelbmann gave the campaigns until the end of the day Wednesday, Dec. 3 to advise him as to which challenges they intend to withdraw. The Franken campaign stated its intention to withdraw at least 633 of its challenged ballots. The Coleman campaign said it "is willing to withdraw challenges," but has yet to do so and has missed the deadline set by the Off ice of the Secretary of State.
Franken's net gain: 23 votes (excluding challenged and missing ballots)
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
Additional Recount News:
*December 3: The Franken campaign will withdraw 633 of its challenged ballots and could withdraw even more according to lead recount attorney, Marc Elias. The Coleman campaign said it "is willing to withdraw challenges," but has yet to take any steps in that direction.
December 2: Franken gained a net 37 votes after 171 uncounted ballots were found stuck in a machine in Maplewood's 6th District. The Secretary of State's office has requested an explanation as to how the votes were missed.
On November 26, the State Canvassing Board denied the Franken campaign's request to include rejected absentee ballots in the recount. However, County Boards were given the option to include rejected absentee ballots at their discretion. It is still unclear whether some rejected absentee ballots will be counted or not.
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DECEMBER 4 UPDATE: FRANKEN LEADING
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 98.88%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 99.37 %
Franken recounted votes as of 4 December 2008: 1,197,965 (as of 11/4/2008: 1,200,533)
Coleman recounted votes as of 4 December 2008: 1,193,307 (as of 11/4/2008: 1,195,885)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 4 December 2008: 3,197
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 4 December 2008: 3,311
Each of the 6,508 challenged ballots could be rendered invalid, or could be returned to the candidate for whom they were first counted. An effort will be made by the campaigns to reduce the number of challenged ballots before sending them to the State Canvassing Board for review.*
Franken is leading by 1,658 votes with 26 precincts left to count. There are 6,508 challenged ballots (excluding the challenges withdrawn by the Franken campaign and a large number of challenges that are expected to be drawn by the Coleman campaign).
Franken's net gain: 10 votes
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
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DECEMBER 3:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 97.58%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 98.67 %
Franken recounted votes as of 12/3/2008: 1,186,134 (11/4/2008: 1,188,736)
Coleman recounted votes as of 12/3/2008: 1,174,964 (11/4/2008: 1,177,465)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 12/3/2008: 3,085
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of12/3/2008: 3,241
Each of the 6,326 challenged ballots could be rendered invalid, or could be returned to the candidate for whom they were first counted. An effort will be made by the campaigns to reduce the number of challenged ballots before sending them to the State Canvassing Board for review.*
Franken is leading by 11,170 votes with 55 precincts left to count. There are 6,326 challenged ballots (excluding the challenges withdrawn by the Franken campaign today and a large number of challenges that are expected to be drawn by the Coleman campaign).
Franken’s net loss: 101
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
Additional Recount News:
*December 3: The Franken campaign will withdraw 633 of its challenged ballots and could withdraw even more according to lead recount attorney, Marc Elias. The Coleman campaign said it “is willing to withdraw challenges,” but has yet to take any steps in that direction.
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DECEMBER 2 (photos added today below post):
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 92.69%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 95.30 %
Franken recounted votes as of 12/2/2008: 1,122,413 (as of 4 November 2008: 1,124,840)
Coleman recounted votes as of 12/2/2008: 1,119,878 (as of 4 November 2008: 1,122,217)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 12/2/2008: 2,910
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 12/2/2008: 3,093
Each of the 6,003 challenged ballots could be rendered invalid, or could be returned to the candidate for whom they were first counted. An effort will be made by the campaigns to reduce the number of challenged ballots before sending them to the State Canvassing Board for review.
Margin between candidates as of 12/2/2008 (excluding challenged ballots): 303
Franken's net loss excluding challenged ballots = 88
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
Additional Recount News: Franken gained a net 37 votes after 171 uncounted ballots were found stuck in a machine in Maplewood's 6th District. The Secretary of State's office has requested an explanation as to how the votes were missed.
Also see: Minnesota Recount Blog - Citizens for Election Integrity
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DECEMBER 1:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 91.13%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 93.75 %
Franken recounted votes as of 12/1/2008: 1,105,030 (as of 11/4/2008: 1,107,528)
Coleman recounted votes as of 12/1/2008: 1,100,922 (as of 11/4/2008: 1,103,291)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 1 December 2008: 2,876
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 1 December 2008: 3,067
The 5,943 challenged ballots could go to either candidate. The current margin between candidates (excluding challenged ballots) is 344 votes.
Franken's net loss = 129 votes (excluding challenged ballots).
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
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11/26/2008, 10:30 A.M.: THE MINNESOTA STATE CANVASSING BOARD HAS DENIED THE FRANKEN CAMPAIGN'S REQUEST TO ALLOW REJECTED ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN THE RECOUNT.
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NOVEMBER 26 UPDATE:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 89.64%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 86.04 %
Franken recounted votes as of 11/26/2008: 1,040,285 (as of 4 November 2008: 1,042,208)
Coleman recounted votes as of 11/26/ 2008: 1,044,255 (as of 4 November 2008: 1,046,101)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 11/26/2008: 2,292
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 11/26/2008: 2,448
Coleman has lost 1,846 votes since election day; Franken has lost 1,923 votes since election day; 4,740 challenged ballots could go to either candidate.
Margin between candidates as of 26 November 2008 (excluding challenged ballots): 292 votes; Franken's net loss = 77 votes.
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
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NOVEMBER 25 UPDATE:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 80.62%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 85.93 %
Franken recounted votes as of 25 November 2008: 976,187 (as of 11/4/2008: 977,580)
Coleman recounted votes as of 25 November 2008: 978,751 (as of 11/4/2008: 980,121)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 25 November 2008: 1,758
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 25 November 2008: 1,836
Coleman has lost 1,370 votes since election day; Franken has lost 1,393 votes since election day; 3,594 challenged ballots could go to either (or neither) candidate.
Margin between candidates as of 25 November 2008 (excluding challenged and rejected absentee ballots): 238 votes
Franken's net loss = 23 votes.
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Figures do not include rejected absentee ballots, the fate of which could be decided tomorrow when the State Canvassing Board meets; results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
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NOVEMBER 24 UPDATE:Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 74.18%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 81.40%
Franken recounted votes as of 24 November 2008: 889,891 (as of 4 November 2008: 890,899)
Coleman recounted votes as of 24 November 2008: 908,063 (as of 4 November 2008: 909,114)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 24 November 2008: 1,401
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 24 November 2008: 1,400
Margin between candidates as of 24 November 2008 (excluding challenged ballots): 172 votes
Franken's net gain = 43 votes
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
NOVEMBER 22 UPDATE:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 65.65%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 73.24%%
Franken recounted votes as of 22 November 2008: 783,401
(Vote total as of 4 November 2008: 784,022)
Coleman recounted votes as of 22 November 2008: 808,785
(Vote total as of 4 November 2008: 809,454)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 21 November 2008: 945
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 21 November 2008: 948
Overall margin as of 21 November 2008 (excluding challenged ballots):
Franken's net gain = 48 votes.
Source: MN Secretary of State
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NOVEMBER 21 UPDATE:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 60.86%
Percentage of Precincts Recounted: 69.85%%
Franken recounted votes as of 11/21/2008: 723,378 (as of 11/4 2008: 723,818)
Coleman recounted votes as of 11/21/2008: 751,898 (as of 11/4/2008: 752,438)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of 11/21/2008: 778
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of 11/21/2008: 747
Overall margin as of 21 November 2008 (excluding challenged ballots):
Coleman has lost 540 votes in the recounted precincts; Franken has lost 440 votes in the recounted precincts. Franken's net gain = 100 votes.
Source: MN Secretary of State
(Results not official until verified by the State Canvassing Board)
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NOVEMBER 20 UPDATE:
Percentage of Ballots Recounted: 42.33%
Percentage of Precincts Reporting: 50.99%
Franken recounted votes as of November 20: 494,804 (as of November 4: 494,930)
Coleman recounted votes as of November 20: 534,475 (as of November 4: 534,687)
Ballots challenged by Franken campaign as of November 20: 374
Ballots challenged by Coleman campaign as of November 20: 360
Net results as of November 20 2008 (excluding challenged ballots):
Franken's net gain = 86 votes.
As of November 19, 2008, 15.9% of the votes have been officially recounted in Minnesota's US Senate race between Norm Coleman (R) and Al Franken (D). The Coleman campaign has gone from 195,708 votes as of November 4, to 195,638 votes. The Franken campaign recount reports 180,923 votes, compared to 180,950 on November 4. The Coleman campaign challenged 115 ballots today; the Franken campaign challenged 106 ballots. See the Minnesota Secretary of State's website for a full accounting of the votes recounted today.
In other recount news, Judge Dale B. Lindman has granted an Order for Temporary Restraining Order and Temporary Injunction in response to a Motion filed by attorney David Lillehaug on behalf of the Franken campaign. Lillehaug had specifically requested "the names and addresses of all persons who submitted absentee ballots in connection with the general election of November 4, 2008, but whose absentee ballots were rejected or otherwise not counted" from Ramsey County Elections Manager Joseph Mansky, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Ch. 13 (2008). Judge Lindman concluded that the names of voters who submitted an absentee ballot return envelope, the envelopes of absentee ballots that have not been opened by an election judge and other data must be made available to the Franken campaign for inspection and/or copying.
Although there has been no decision made on whether the rejected absentee ballots will be allowed to be counted as part of the recount, the ruling is a victory for the Franken campaign, which hopes to convince the State Canvassing Board to allow some, if not all, of the ballots to be counted.
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Retired from a career in law and banking, Diana Raabe is a freelance writer/editor whose work has been featured on Gather.com for over three years. A member of The Loft Literary Center and the National Book Critics Circle, she blogs at The Raabe Review and, occasionally, Minnesota Campaign Report.
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Comments: 39
I'd hate to be in the teachers union or a government union and have voted for Coleman and had my ballot looked at.
"Franken would also vote to take away the secrecy of union ballots."
I understand the legislation to offer an alternate to a secret ballot NOT a replacement.
If my understanding is correct, you are guilty of deception at best or self-disclosing yourself as a liar at worst - or perhaps even subject to libel? Legal or otherwise.
Yesterday's numbers worked out to a [potential] net gain of 43 votes for Franken, but this does not take into account all the challenged ballots which will be reviewed by the State Canvassing Board in December. Additionally, there are a lot of ballots left to be recounted!
I just keep remembering that I shouldn't be questioning those things!
2+2=5 Freedom =Slavery INSOC is all knowing.
I'm late for 5 minutes of hate which we vent at a big screen with George Bush.
I have such a hard time envisioning Obama voters also voting for Coleman.
Oh my!
Oh, my! Again!
Looks like we have a Chicago Democrat as President and Chicago Democrat voting integrity in Minnesota!
He certainly would be good for the Senate... It will be good to see him there...
Was glad to hear about Stevens too...
This open senate seat is "The Paul Wellstone Seat" and Coleman merely snuck into it with less than 50% of the votes in 1992 after Wellstone's fateful airplane crash. It seems that Democrats should have thought about that a little harder on election day or we wouldn't be in this mess.
Even so, the seat could easily still go to Franken, regardless of what you may hear from republican-leaning sources. Let's not forget what happened in 1962.
have a great Thanksgiving! xo
This is an interesting race.
May God bless.
I hope he wins, whichever it is now.