Judges hear appeal in 2008 rejected ballots case
A panel of Minnesota judges is deciding whether a set of rejected absentee ballots from the 2008 election should ever be opened.
The state Court of Appeals heard arguments Thursday in a case involving unopened absentee ballots deemed flawed by election administrators. KSTP-TV and other Hubbard Broadcasting Corp. affiliates sued to obtain the ballots.
The media outlet prevailed in a Ramsey County court, but last year's ruling was appealed.
Appeals judges questioned the station's lawyer about what could be gained by opening invalidly cast ballots. They also asked a county lawyer whether such an inspection could occur without threatening voter privacy.
Absentee ballots were a focal point of the Senate race Democrat Al Franken ultimately won by 312 votes.
A decision is due by mid-September.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Political Coverage Powered by You
Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.