 Preliminary reports on election night , November 4 , had Coleman ahead by over 700 votes , but the official results certified on November 18 , 2008 , had Coleman leading by only 215 votes . As the two candidates were separated by less than 0 @.@ 5 percent , the Secretary of State of Minnesota Mark Ritchie , authorized an automatic recount stipulated in Minnesota election law . In the recount , ballots and certifying materials were examined by hand , and candidates could file challenges to the legality of ballots or materials for inclusion or exclusion with regard to the recount . On January 5 , 2009 , the Minnesota State Canvassing Board certified the recounted vote totals , with Franken ahead by 225 votes . 
