Editorial: Recount had no shockers

Published Monday, December 1, 2008

No one was anticipating action-packed excitement, and in that regard, the recount of 2.9 million ballots to determine the official winner of the U.S. Senate race does not disappoint.

It’s pretty much what Minnesotans expected, but nonetheless, they’re relieved to see it. All the brouhaha surrounding the impending recount was getting to be a bit much. And that’s likely the reaction of many voters whether they voted for Republican Sen. Norm Coleman or his challenger, Democrat Al Franken.

Despite complaints, innuendo and legal maneuvering by the Coleman and Franken camps, most Minnesotans have faith in our election laws and processes that the recount would be handled correctly. And recount numbers so far have reaffirmed that ballot-counting machines here have proven to be accurate.

So far, as indicated by the recounts held in our area last week and elsewhere in the state, it has been smooth sailing.

Most people just want a fair process. As observers of the recount can attest, the process is being handled professionally and very meticulously.

This is serious business. The county and state officials involved know that and are doing their best to see that everyone follows rules and procedures.

The counties will be done recounting by Dec. 5, and then on Dec. 16 a canvassing board begins its work, which includes ruling on disputed ballots.

So far, as our local counties have demonstrated, Minnesota has once again shown it is a leader in handling election results — even if lawsuits may interfere with settling on a winner when all is said and done.

— The Free Press of Mankato, Nov. 24