Ramsey County won’t call ballot challenges frivolous

A hand recount of 2.1 million ballots is underway in Minnesota's disputed race for governor. Local elections officials started the recount at 9 o'clock this morning. Campaign officials for Democrat Mark Dayton and Republican Tom Emmer are watching the recount and may challenge any ballots where they think voter intent is unclear.

One change in this year's election versus the 2008 U.S. Senate recount is that local elections officials can determine whether such challenges are frivolous. But Ramsey County Elections Manager Joe Mansky said this morning that he won't deem any challenges frivolous and will send every challenged ballot to the State Canvassing Board.

"My preference then is to let them see every challenged ballot so if you challenge them I'm not going to challenge you. I will send over anything you want them to take a look at. That's ok with me."

Democrat Mark Dayton currently leads Republican Tom Emmer by more than 8,700 votes.

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