SHAKOPEE, Minn. — A judge in Scott County could soon determine who controls the Minnesota House next year.
The race for Minnesota House seat 54A was decided by just 14 votes with Democrat Brad Tabke winning the race.
However, a recent investigation determined that 20 votes from Shakopee’s 10th election precinct are missing, likely destroyed.
Republican challenger Aaron Paul and the Minnesota Republican Party have officially contested the election, arguing it’s unclear whether those missing 20 votes could have determined the outcome of the race. On Monday morning, attorneys for both sides made their opening arguments in Scott County Court.
Legal representatives from Paul and the Republican Party are requesting a special election to determine the race.
Attorneys called 10 witnesses to the stand Monday, including the top election official in Scott County, the mayor of Shakopee, an election judge, a city administrator and six of the 20 voters who have missing ballots.
Paul’s attorney called all six voters to the witness stand Monday afternoon and all six voters told the court they had voted for Paul in the race.
The voters’ identities are being protected, so each voter was assigned a number in the courtroom.
Voter 14 told the court, “I wish my voice to be heard about this incident. That is something that should not have happened and I wish my ballot would’ve made it through when I submitted it properly.”
Voter 15 was also frustrated to hear their vote was likely lost, saying, “It upsets me a lot because it was a major election and not to have my voice heard as to who I want really upset me.”
Voter 17 was also upset with the situation, telling the court, “Frankly, I feel like I’ve been robbed. It makes me question the integrity of our voting system actually.”
Another witness in the case was Shakopee’s assistant city administrator, who told the court that the city clerk in Shakopee “no longer works for the city.”
It’s unclear if the city clerk was fired or resigned from her position.
Scott County Election Administrator Julie Hanson says a recent investigation determined the 20 missing ballots came from Shakopee’s 10th precinct, and it was Shakopee election workers who were responsible for losing the ballots.
Attorneys for both sides of the case will be back in court Tuesday morning, and are hoping to wrap up their case Tuesday afternoon. A judge will then have to decide if the race for 54A should head to a special election.