Who is paying for the recount?

[question everything]

When first appeared in his news conference, Norm "chastised" Franken for wasting tax money for a recount. Yet, yesterday on one of the local news channels, there were reports about both campaigns soliciting donations to help with the recount.

[Eric J in MN]

1. The taxpayers will pay the election officials. However,

...both sides need to pay attorneys and other staff to watch the recount, and object if they think election officials are judging a ballot incorrectly.

[geardaddy]

2. WTF?

Isn't the recounted mandated by law? So, why is Norm chastising Al for something the state has to do anyway?

[ogneopasno]

3. The recount is automatic unless Franken calls them off, IIUC. Coleman wants him to call them off.

JUST LIKE HE WOULD if the situation were reversed. :sarcasm:

[geardaddy]

4. Thanks.

I did not know that. Normie The Teeth is despicable.

[MNReformer]

5. It is mandated but the losing candidate can decline it

Also, the losing candidate must pay for the initial recount, which includes three precincts. If that result yields at least a 1/2% discrepancy, the recount widens to include more precincts and if that shows at least a 1/2% discrepancy as well there is a full statewide recount of the race. The state pays for the second round and the full recount. The cost is 3 cents per ballot, which will total about $87,000.