What is the process of recounts and challenge of election results?
In Minnesota, the process of recounts and challenging election results has several steps. First, the Minnesota Secretary of State certifies the election results—the number of votes for each candidate or party. Any voter can challenge the election results, and requests for a recount must be made within seven calendar days of the election results being certified. The legal grounds for challenging the election results are limited to issues such as whether a candidate or party fulfilled certain requirements in order to be on the ballot. After a challenge is filed, the Secretary of State assigns a three-person panel to hear the challenge. A decision can be reached after this hearing. To request a recount, a voter must submit a petition signed by a certain number of other voters in the precinct. The number required to sign the petition varies depending on the number of votes cast. Once the petition is filed, the recount must be done within one month and must be completed before the election results can be certified. After the recount is done, the Secretary of State reviews the number of votes cast for each candidate or party. If the recount reveals a discrepancy in the election results, the Secretary of State may decide to hold a special election. This is done for the purpose of ensuring that the election results are accurate. Ultimately, the Minnesota Secretary of State has the responsibility of ensuring that election results are fair and accurate. This includes taking steps to ensure that the process of recounts and challenging election results is done properly.
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