"Based on what's happened so far, you just cannot promise never, especially if these tricks and tactics are used," Cook said Friday. "We would clearly look at anything that looks like an obvious infraction or that is unfair."

With the election expected to be close - Democrat Peter Corroon and Republican Ellis Ivory were in a virtual statistical tie in the latest poll - there could be disputes over which ballots were counted and which were not. Ivory won a spot on the ballot this week after a Utah Supreme Court ruling, but previously was a write-in challenger.

Ivory spokesman Jim Bennett said the prospect of lawsuits is "not even on our radar." "I'd be shocked if Ellis would even think about'' suing, Bennett said. Corroon has no plans to sue either.

Of course, if the election ends up within 700 votes - the number of Salt Lake County precincts - a recount would be performed automatically. And a political party could enter the fray and file a lawsuit.

- Thomas Burr