Unfortunately, if Minnesota is using the Accuvote machines, due to the idiocy of some software engineers who developed the firmware in those machines, it is possible for the tape to show zero counts when the actual counts are non-zero. And its possible for the printout on the tape to not accurately reflect the ballot count at the end of the election either.
The memory cards need to be very carefully examined - and until then preserved under seal as evidence.
In Alabama we use a machne made by Eagle (at least thats the logo on the machine).
But ultimately the protection is in the fact that the votes are marked with a black felt tip pen on a paper ballot. The machine is really only a scanner to simplity the counting process.
With only about 1000 votes cast they ought to be able to review the voting record to make sure everyone who voted is at least alive.