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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Amanda Tinsley
651-491-9946 (cell)
Amanda.Tinsley@house.mn.gov
News Release
DEMUTH RESPONDS TO 54A RULING
ST. PAUL - Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, responded to today's ruling.
"The underlying facts of the case remain unchanged: there were 20 ballots destroyed in a race decided by just 14 votes. The judge relies on testimony from voters, while downplaying the inconsistencies and lack of absolute certainty that the correct set of voters was identified. Furthermore, allowing this decision to stand would set the precedent moving forward that voters must violate their fundamental right to a secret ballot in order to clear up cases where ballots are destroyed, and may increase the likelihood of bad actors choosing to destroy certain sets of ballots in tight races. Ultimately the Minnesota Constitution is clear that 'Each house shall be the judge of the election returns and eligibility of its own members.' We will evaluate this lengthy ruling and consider options in the coming days."
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