Minnesota House Republicans say they're filing an election contest lawsuit over some missing ballots in the District 54A race.
DFL incumbent Brad Tabke held a 14 vote lead over Republican Aaron Paul Monday when the canvassing board certified the results.
Scott County is still investigating why it counted more people checking in to vote early at one precinct than it counted returned ballots from that precinct. Republican House Caucus deputy leader Harry Niska says every vote needs to be counted.
"Of course, we should always be concerned about that," Niska says. "But especially in a case like this, in an election like this, where the margin of victory, or margin of difference between the two candidates is narrower than the number of voters whose votes have been lost."
Niska expects a swift decision.
"It will be resolved quickly, at least the legal end of it," explained Niska. "And we think that in a circumstance like this, when there is no way to find those missing votes, the only real way to fix this is to have a new election."
In a statement, House Speaker Designate Lisa Demuth said:
“The recount may be over, but the investigation into the 21 missing ballots in District 54A is still ongoing. Even after Friday’s recount, enough ballots remain missing to potentially sway the outcome of the election. House Republicans are taking action to ensure that every legal vote counts and that the election is decided by the people of District 54A without interference.”