MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota’s election motto in recent years seems to have become “bring on the recount.”

The last two statewide elections have gone to recounts. The 2008 Senate race wasn’t decided until Democrat Al Franken prevailed over Republican Norm Coleman in court the following summer.

And the governor’s race two years ago didn’t wrap up until nearly Christmas.

A recount is automatic when candidates are separated by less than one-half of 1 percent of total votes cast.

One race that’s expected to be close Tuesday is a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. But the Minnesota secretary of state’s office doesn’t consider ballot measures eligible for automatic recounts.