A Wayne County judge on Wednesday ordered the Detroit City Clerk’s Office to follow election transparency laws after a lawsuit alleged officials began processing and tabulating absentee ballots early without public notice.

Robert Davis, a citizen watchdog, filed the emergency lawsuit against the clerk’s office on Monday, alleging the city began processing and tabulating absentee ballots last week without taking the legal steps required to do so.

Davis says the case before Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Patricia Fresard opens the door for mayoral and city council candidates who lost Tuesday’s primary election to demand a recount.

“It provides the unsuccessful candidates with an avenue to challenge the election results for their particular race,” Davis tells Metro Times .

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