SHAKOPEE, Minn. — On Thursday, south metro election judges met to recount a pivotal race that could determine who controls the Minnesota House.
The judges in Scott County sorted and counted nearly 22,000 ballots in House District 54-A to check against the machine totals reported to the Secretary of State’s Office after voting wrapped up on Nov. 5.
Each table included a pair of election judges tasked with handling the ballots, and at least two observers — one from each party — who are allowed to challenge the intent of voters who filled out the ballot on Election Day.
Incumbent Democrat Brad Tabke finished ahead of Republican challenger Aaron Paul by just 14 votes after all the ballots were counted.
Election officials are still investigating a discrepancy between the number of absentee ballots received and the number of absentee ballot applications.
If the recount goes in Paul’s favor, Republicans will have complete control of the Minnesota House for the next two years.
If Tabke prevails, the House will be divided 67-67, which will require Democrats and Republicans to share power.
Another House race in District 14-B in the Saint Cloud area will go to a recount next week.
Incumbent Democrat Dan Wolgamott leads GOP challenger Sue Ek by 191 votes in that race.