Minn. Recount Will Push Into New Year

The Minnesota recount will not be complete until next year and could be continuing even as the new Senate is sworn in, Minnesota Public Radio reports. A plan agreed to by both the Coleman and Franken camps has the secretary of state counting wrongly rejected absentee ballots by January 4, after which both candidates can appeal to the Canvassing Board. The Senate is sworn in January 6.

Even after those decisions, court challenges are likely. Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said he was unconcerned by the prospect of a vacant seat in the Senate. “Our top priority is accuracy and transparency and the timing thing is just not our issue,” he said. “We don't care when it's done.” Meanwhile, both campaigns are still wrangling over challenged ballots and disputed vote allocations in the final tally. (More Minnesota stories.)