US election: Trump campaign will immediately request recount in Wisconsin

Election officials count absentee ballots on Nov 4, 2020, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - President Donald Trump's campaign will immediately request a recount of votes in the key battleground state of Wisconsin, even though the state's presidential election results have yet to be finalised.

"There have been reports of irregularities in several Wisconsin counties which raise serious doubts about the validity of the results," campaign manager Bill Stepien said in a statement, without providing details of any reports.

"The President is well within the threshold to request a recount and we will immediately do so."

Election experts say fraud is very rare in US voting.

Edison Research said the margin between Trump and Democratic challenger Joe Biden in Wisconsin was less than 1 percentage point, allowing a candidate to seek a recount.

It said Biden had a slight lead in the state, with 99 per cent of the expected votes tallied so far.

The former vice-president had 49.4 per cent of the vote, while Trump had 48.8 per cent.

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Police were seen escorting officials carrying absentee ballots in Milwaukee on early Wednesday morning, Wisconsin being one of several states too close to call in the election.

For live updates and results, follow our US election live coverage.

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