In the ongoing saga of the Minnesota Senate recount, the canvassing board has started ruling on challenged ballots. As of today, Coleman’s lead, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, has dwindled to a grand total of 5 votes, with hundreds of Coleman challenges left to decide on.

Challenges are typically not upheld, so the remaining challenges being from the Coleman campaign is significant because his campaign would challenge votes for Franken or for other candidates. Thus, Franken is more likely to pick up votes when Coleman’s challenges are being looked at (and vice versa).

Amusingly, the Lizard People ballot was ruled on today. Apparently, it might be a reference to a Douglas Adams book entitled “So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish”.

It’s an appropriate quote to reference on a ballot. Perhaps ironically, the challenge was upheld, negating a vote for Franken.