Rep. Tabke leads after recount in Scott County in race for District 54A
Incumbent Representative Brad Tabke leads by a mere 15 votes after ballots were recounted on Thursday — a one-vote difference than the original results
Democratic incumbent representative Brad Tabke is set to take the seat for District 54A over Republican challenger, Aaron Paul. Tabke got 10,980 votes and Paul got 10,965.
Since some ballots are being challenged, the official results may not come until sometime on Monday.
Two people counted the ballots by hand on Thursday. Members of both parties watched over, making sure the count was correct. 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS caught up with Karen Miller, an observer for Paul.
“Well, again, I’m grateful we’re doing this. I guess overall, just a main concern about some of the integrity of the results of, if we say 100% of the votes are in, how can that number change? So, just hoping and praying that the actual results. Clarify that today, as well as any discrepancies that happen in the tabulation process on Election Night,” said Miller.
Back on Election Night, Tabke led Paul, but then results changed, which showed Paul had a 360-vote lead with 100% of all precincts reporting. However, minutes later, the Secretary of State’s website zeroed out all the results. Scott County officials say an upload error made it appear all precinct results were in when it wasn’t the case.
The county is also investigating after the elections manager identified a discrepancy in the count of ballots: 21 more absentee records than ballots were counted in the city of Shakopee.
Another race for the Minnesota House of Representatives will have a recount, but that won’t be happening until next week. That will be for Democrat Dan Wolgamott and Republican Sue Ek House, who are battling for 14B in Sherburne County. Depending on the outcome of both races, the Minnesota House could be tied with 67 Republicans and Democrats.
For full election results, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
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