Florida Circuit Chief Judge Jack Tuter said there is no wrongdoing — and on Monday urged all sides to tone down their rhetoric in response to the ballot controversy in Broward County.
Tuter also said that citizens must be reassured that the integrity of the recount is being protected during an emergency hearing.
The election controversy began when county officials reported finding extra ballots after the deadline for turning them in.
The lingering ballots caused an uproar, given the closeness of the senatorial and gubernatorial races in the state.
Related: Judge Orders Broward County to Release Voter Data Amid Controversy
The Associated Press first reported on the emergency hearing on Monday.
Tuter said during it that anyone with any evidence of voter fraud or irregularities should come forward with it and report it to law enforcement.
He also urged lawyers representing Rick Scott, both parties, the candidates and the county elections office all to agree on some minor additions in security.
Scott also filed a lawsuit in response to the controversy and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). They are alleging that officials in Broward County and Palm Beach County are hiding critical information about the number of votes cast and counted in the Democrat-heavy districts.
Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was able to re-enter the race when the votes were uncovered after already conceding defeat in his particular election.
He has been running against Rep. Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.) to become the next governor in the state. Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) are still in a heated contest because of the close vote and recount as well.
Scott also filed a lawsuit in response to the controversy and the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). They are alleging that officials in Broward County and Palm Beach County are hiding critical information about the number of votes cast and counted in the Democrat-heavy districts.
He also alleged rampant fraud by the Democratic county officials.
Related: Trump: Florida Ballot Scandal Is an ‘Embarrassment to our Country and to Democracy’
President Donald Trump made a similar argument last week for a handful of recent races which he dubbed “The Broward Effect.”
He also said at the time that law enforcement is looking into the alleged corruption scandal in the state. The president questioned why they never seem to find extra Republican votes like that.
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