The Minnesota Supreme Court on Saturday upheld the state’s existing recount procedures, turning down MyPillow founder Mike Lindell’s demand for a comprehensive hand recount of the Republican primary for governor. Lindell, who lost to state House Speaker Lisa Demuth by roughly 45,000 votes on Aug. 11, argued that the plan approved by the secretary of state’s office and the State Canvassing Board was insufficient because it would not recount ballots cast for the other six Republican candidates.
Court’s Reasoning
Chief Justice Natalie E. Hudson authored a six‑page opinion stating that the recount plan complies with Minnesota law and that the officials involved are not committing any wrongful act, omission, or error. The court noted that the plan calls for ballots to be sorted by primary (Democratic or Republican) and then, for the Republican ballots, separated into three piles: one for Lindell, one for Demuth, and one for all other candidates. All ballots in each pile would be counted and subject to challenge, ensuring that Lindell would know the final result after the recount.
Lindell’s Response
Lindell told NBC News he intends to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court and is also seeking the raw data from all 87 counties through a Freedom of Information Act request for an independent investigation. He said, “I’m willing to pay even more money. I don’t care what it costs,” emphasizing his willingness to fund a full hand recount despite the court’s ruling.
Earlier this week, Lindell had pledged to spend an estimated $825,000 to cover a full recount and audit, but he refused to pay the money by the state’s Aug. 12 deadline after learning that the recount would only count ballots cast for him and Demuth, not the entire field of seven Republican candidates.
Legal Background
Lindell sued the Minnesota secretary of state’s office and the State Canvassing Board, alleging a “bait‑and‑switch” because the recount plan did not include all candidates. The secretary of state’s office responded that the plan follows state law and prior recount procedures. The court’s decision affirms Demuth’s victory and secures her place on the November ballot against Democratic nominee Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Broader Context
Lindell has faced multiple lawsuits over his repeated claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged by voting machines. He was previously found to have defamed a former employee of Dominion Voting Systems and has been ordered to pay sanctions to Smartmatic USA Corp., which remain unpaid.
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s role in maintaining orderly election processes and reinforces the legal standards that govern recounts in Minnesota. While Lindell continues to pursue further legal avenues, the state’s courts have affirmed that the existing recount framework is lawful and sufficient.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
