How a judge handled an ‘unprecedented’ 1,041 disputed ballots in a tight N.L. recount [Video]

A new report explains how a judge dealt with an “unprecedented” number of disputed ballots during a federal election recount in a rural Newfoundland riding recently won by the Conservatives.

Justice Garrett Handrigan’s report, dated Monday, says the candidates and their teams had flagged 1,041 ballots needing closer examination after the recount ended on May 13 in the riding of Terra Nova-The Peninsulas.

“All counsel agreed that this was an unprecedented number and they seemed genuinely perplexed about how to address them appropriately,” Handrigan wrote in his decision.

Typically, recounts produce far fewer disputed ballots, and lawyers for each candidate are able to argue whether each should be accepted or dismissed, the judge said.

“It was evident that we would not be able to do that this time,” he wrote.

The recount was ordered by Elections Canada after the initial tally following the April 28 federal election showed Liberal candidate …