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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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Recount Bares Flaws in Minn. Absentee System

13% of absentee ballots typically tossed each election

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(Newser) – A close examination of this year's Minnesota senate race has revealed significant flaws in the voting system that typically rejects 13% of absentee ballots—about 1,600 votes. State officials say the votes are "normally" rejected due to voter or official error, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The problem went unnoticed until this year's tight race forced state officials to reexamine the absentee system.

"With the technology that is available, there has to be a better way of voting," said an absentee voter whose ballot was rejected because he didn't sign it. The race between incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken remains contested five weeks after the election.

Election judges count ballots by hand over watchful eyes.
Election judges count ballots by hand over watchful eyes.   (AP Photo/Dawn Villella)
More than 1,500 absentee ballots are mistakenly thrown out each election, but they have gone unnoticed in previous elections, investigators have found.
More than 1,500 absentee ballots are mistakenly thrown out each election, but they have gone unnoticed in previous elections, investigators have found.   (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
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It flies under the radar screen because it doesn't cause problems until you have a situation like Florida in 2000 or Minnesota now.
- Edward Foley, an election law expert at Ohio State University's law school

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