Missing Ballots In Minnesota House Race Raise Election Integrity Concerns
A Minnesota state House race, decided by a slim 14-vote margin, has come under scrutiny after investigators revealed that 21 ballots were “likely disposed of” by election officials in Shakopee. The race, which flipped from Republican challenger Aaron Paul to Democrat incumbent Brad Tabke, could impact party control in the state House.
Scott County Attorney Ron Hocevar stated in a preliminary report that the ballots were likely discarded in their secrecy envelopes before being tabulated. “This unfortunate situation resulted in a level of confusion that should not have occurred,” Hocevar said. Investigators also noted that the chain of custody for the ballots, even if recovered, could not be proven.
The discovery came during an audit, when officials noticed a discrepancy between the number of voters who checked in and the total ballots counted. Republican leaders have since filed an election contest, calling for a new election in District 54A.
“Today’s news confirms why we will be seeking an election contest to protect the integrity of the vote,” said House Republican Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth. “With 20 ballots missing and confirmation they will likely not be recovered, it’s impossible to declare a winner with a 14-vote margin.”
Timeline details reveal the chaotic handling of ballots on election night. Shakopee officials initially reported slow tabulation progress, prompting Scott County to take over the process. By early morning, discrepancies emerged, leading to the discovery of the missing ballots.
The situation has fueled Republican concerns over election integrity, especially after two Minnesota state House races flipped from Republican leads to Democrat wins overnight. Observers point to late-night vote changes, including one where Republican Aaron Paul lost a 360-vote lead hours after 100% of precincts had reported.
As the investigation continues, questions about transparency and election processes remain, with Republicans arguing that the integrity of the vote demands a new election in the closely contested district.
