I don't post often at dKos these days, but those of you who remember me may recall that I worked on the Ohio election analysis in '04-'05 and later became active with a group called Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota (CEIMN), which did a lot of recount observing in '08 and '10.
It seems the group learned a few things, and decided they were worth sharing.
Part of their blurb is below the fold, but you can read more and download the document (free!) here.
Getting the word out could save us all some post-election grief!! Plus: it's short and easy to read!
Minneapolis, MN – (Feb. 6th, 2014) - As the United States enters the critical mid-year election season with close outcomes all but guaranteed, Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota (CEIMN) announces a new and concise resource, Recount Principles and Best Practices.
This document addresses a wide range of recount topics, including initiating mechanisms, funding, transparency, impartiality, counting methods, targeted recounts, and rules for determining voter intent.
CEIMN convened four nationally recognized, bipartisan authors and a blue-ribbon panel of advisors to distill their extensive recount experience into key principles and best practices. The authors of Recount Principles and Best Practices are:
• Mark Ritchie, Minnesota Secretary of State, who chaired the five-person State Canvassing Board that oversaw the 2008 U.S. Senate recount
• Sam Reed, former Washington Secretary of State, who oversaw the 2004 Washington gubernatorial recount
• Jane Platten, former director of Cuyahoga County Ohio Board of Elections
• Mark Halvorson, founder of Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota and creator of the CEIMN searchable database of state recount laws.
The report was reviewed by a blue-ribbon panel of advisors, including election officials, election integrity advocates, journalists, and academics.