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Scott County to certify votes in close House race
The Scott County canvassing board is scheduled to meet Wednesday afternoon to certify the results of last week’s election. The race for House District 54a could trigger an automatic recount as Democrat Brad Tabke is leading Republican Paul Aaron by just 14 votes. The results of the possible recount could change control of the state House. FOX 9’s Se Kwon has more on the story.
SHAKOPEE, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Scott County Canvassing Board will meet Wednesday afternoon to certify the election results, but a close race in House District 54A could trigger an automatic recount, and potentially determine which party controls the state House.
What we know
The Scott County Canvassing Board is meeting Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. to certify the election results, including a close key race for House District 54A.
Democrat incumbent Brad Tabke is leading Republican Aaron Paul by just 14 votes, a difference of 0.06%, which is close enough for a publicly funded recount.
The automatic recount could start Wednesday after the canvassing board meets.
Dig deeper
The Minnesota House of Representatives is an even split after Election Day. However, Democrats are narrowly hanging on to two seats determined by just a handful of votes, and if there is a recount, it could change party control.
When a state legislative candidate is winning by less than 0.5%, Minnesota law says there can be a publicly funded recount in that race.
It remains up in the air whether the Minnesota Legislature will have DFL control or remain split in power.
What they’re saying
Both candidates weighed in after the election about the preliminary vote count.
"We have won this election and don’t expect that to change. We are moving forward for Shakopee," Tabke said.
"I believe we still have a strong chance to come out on top, and I’m so grateful for your continued support and encouragement. I look forward with optimism to the opportunity to serve as Shakopee’s next representative," said Paul.
Tabke says he expects the recount to start around Thanksgiving, with Paul adding that he’s expecting the results around Dec. 1.
What else?
There’s another close state House race in District 14B where Democrat incumbent Dan Wolgamott is leading Republican challenger Sue Ek. The race was initially separated by just 28 votes, but after Sherburne County found uncounted mail-in ballots, Wolgamott is leading by about 200 votes, which falls outside the margin for a publicly funded recount.
Ek could still request a recount but would need to pay for it.
Election results in Minnesota are not official until they are certified by the state’s canvassing board, which is scheduled to occur on Nov. 21.