The dispute centers on a review of pollbook data conducted Tuesday by the Clark County Election Board, which found more ballots cast than voters recorded in the electronic pollbook across four precincts. According to a statement from Garten's office, 1,650 ballots were cast on Election Day compared to 1,612 voters logged in the electronic pollbook — a difference of 28 votes.

Garten said that gap is far too small to overturn his 297-vote margin of victory.

"We have carefully reviewed the electronic pollbook data and ballot summaries from all four precincts," Garten said in a statement. "The records show 1,650 ballots cast on Election Day compared to 1,612 voters recorded in the electronic pollbook. That is a discrepancy of just 28, compared to my 297-vote margin of victory."

But Democrats say the county's review was insufficient and are demanding that the Indiana Election Board verify that every vote was counted. They also point to mechanical problems with a voting machine in addition to the pollbook discrepancies.

Adam Dickey, the Democratic Party chair in neighboring Floyd County, which is also part of Garten's district, said the county's review did not constitute proper due diligence.

"We're getting press statements that you know we're confident, and the discrepancy doesn't matter," Dickey said. "Well, wait a minute here, discrepancies like this do matter."

Dickey acknowledged that the outcome of the race may not change, but argued that voters deserve a transparent accounting of what happened.

"I can't say that there will be a huge change in the result," he said. "I can't say that there will be a change at all in the result. I want the process to be clear and for this to be settled."

Democratic challenger Nick Marshall said in a statement that his campaign is reviewing all options to "allow the Democracy to play out."

A joint statement from Dickey and Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian said the "whole country should pay attention" to the ballot discrepancies.

"Media and members of the public have identified clear discrepancies in voting results and the Clark County Election Board refused to address them," the statement read.

Clark County Clerk Ryan Lynch did not respond to several emails seeking comment on the discrepancies and the Democrats' concerns.

Garten characterized the Democrats' complaints as an attempt to elevate legitimate questions into inflammatory accusations that "undermine public confidence" in elections.

"The records we have reviewed simply do not support their allegations," Garten wrote.

Candidates have until next Tuesday to file for recount petitions, while party chairs have until the 20th. Garten is expected to become the next Senate President Pro Tem.