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New Law Makes Recounts Tougher, More Expensive

capitol photo
WKAR File Photo

Governor Rick Snyder has signed bills that would make it tougher and more expensive for losing candidates to call a recount of the results. We have more from Capitol Bureau Chief Rick Pluta.

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein got less than 1 percent of the vote in Michigan in 2016. She had virtually no chance of finding enough lost or miscounted votes to emerge the winner, but nevertheless demanded a recount.

The state says the 380 thousand dollars paid by the Stein campaign did not cover the costs of the recount, which was halted by a judge before it was completed.

The new law says a candidate demanding a recount must have a reasonable belief they might win if the votes are re-tallied. Also, it would increase the cost from 125 dollars a precinct to 250 dollars. 

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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