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Why is there going to be recount?
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State law triggers an automatic recount when the margin between candidates is less than one-half of 1 percent of the votes counted in the race. Norm Coleman beat Al Franken 41.99 percent to 41.98 out of about 2.88 million cast.
What's next?Starting on Nov. 19, 100 election officials in 87 counties and several large cities will go over each ballot to determine the voter's intent.
Who decides?A recount official makes the initial determination on each ballot. All disputed ballots go to St. Paul, where a five-member panel called the State Canvassing Board votes on which ballot goes to which candidate's total.
How long does it take?This will be the largest statewide recount ever and could take several weeks, but less than the 139 days that elapsed during a 1962 recount that made Karl Rolvaag governor.
How much will it cost?Secretary of State Mark Ritchie said taxpayers are on the hook for about 3 cents a ballot, or more than $86,000.
SENATE COVERAGE: A14-16
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