What is the process for recounts and contesting election results?
In Minnesota, recounts and contesting election results are governed by the Minnesota Election Contest Laws. The first step is to file a petition. A petition can be filed by any legally qualified voter in the relevant precinct or by an individual who has been nominated as a candidate in the challenged election. The petition must be filed with the district court of the county in which the election is held. The petition must include a list of all allegations of irregularities in connection with the election, such as fraud, misconduct, or illegal ballots. The petition must also be signed by at least three legally qualified electors, or two for small precincts. Once a petition has been filed, the district court judge will determine if a recount is necessary. If a recount is ordered, the recount must be conducted within five days under the supervision of the county auditor. Following the recount, the county auditor must certify the official results of the election within seven days. Once the results are certified, any candidate or voter who was a part of the petition has the right to contest the results. To contest the results, a contestant must file an election contest complaint with the Secretary of State. The complaint must include all allegations of irregularities in the election. The Secretary of State will then present the complaint to the Minnesota Supreme Court, which will determine whether the election results should be set aside. If the Supreme Court decides that the election results should be set aside, a new election may be ordered.
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