Politics

As the recount in the Minnesota senate race proceeds, the Al Franken campaign is crowing that the Democratic candidate has drawn within a double-digit vote margin of his opponent, incumbent Norm Coleman. But because hand counting is an inexact science, each side has accused the other of frivolous ballot challenges and gross misinterpretations of "voter intent."

Minnesota Public Radio has been running a helpful Web series inviting readers to examine some of the challenged ballots, and weigh in on for whom (if anyone) the vote should be counted. (Our personal favorite: the genius who wrote in "Lizard People.") We have have reprinted several of the disputed ballots, let us know what you think:

Ballot 1 -->: Though graphically interesting, counters were naturally confused by this ballot. The Franken campaign challenged this ballot, saying that since Franken is involved in the television arts, such an artistic vote would naturally be intended for him.

Ballot 2: The Franken campaign also challenged this ballot, initially recorded for Coleman, saying there was absolutely no way to discern the voter's intent.

Ballot 3: When confronted with this ballot, poll workers blamed themselves for not better explaining the voting procedure, and noted that it would be difficult for someone to fill out a ballot more incorrectly.

Ballot 4: A charming scene depicting what appears to be the voter, Democratic candidate Al Franken, and a house alongside what may be some sort of car or bicycle or maybe a dinosaur.

Ballot 5: Another instance of a voter failing to completely fill out the ballot. Once again, voter intent is extremely difficult to interpret. Posted by: Jason Reich      I’m a fan of Jason Reich