Washington Examiner

Recount rules in the key battleground states – Washington Examiner

The article discusses the recount rules ‍in several key battleground states in the context of upcoming ⁢elections where close and contested races are anticipated. It emphasizes that results may lead to recounts in‌ seven critical states. Each state has unique recount ⁣laws, which are briefly outlined:

1. **Arizona:** A mandatory ​recount is triggered ⁣if the ‍margin between the top two candidates is within 0.5%. This threshold was raised from ⁣0.1% ⁤since the last presidential election.

2. **Georgia:** There are no automatic recounts, but candidates can request one if the margin between the leading candidates is 0.5% or less. Election officials‍ can also initiate ⁤recounts in ⁤cases of suspected discrepancies.

3. ⁣**Michigan:** Both automatic‌ and requested recounts are permissible. An automatic recount occurs if the margin is 2,000 votes or less, while candidates can request a recount if they believe they had a reasonable chance ‍of winning and pay a required deposit.

4. **Nevada:** Similar to Georgia, there are no automatic recounts, but candidates can request a recount within three days of the statewide canvass with a deposit. The recount must start within five days and be completed within ‌the subsequent five days.

5. **North Carolina:** Candidates may request a recount if the margin is within 0.5% or 10,000 votes. The request must⁤ be ‌made by noon on the second business ​day after the statewide canvass.

The article highlights⁢ the importance of understanding these rules as⁤ close election results could potentially lead to significant disputes in these influential states.


Recount rules in the key battleground states

When election results pour in from across the country Tuesday evening, there will likely be various close and hotly contested races that could end in a recount.

The presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris will likely come down to seven states considered “toss-up” contests, and any of those states’ results could end up in a recount. Here are the laws for recounts in each of the key battleground states.

Arizona

In the Grand Canyon State, the law for mandatory recounts only goes into effect if the top two candidates are within 0.5% of each other in the final results. The threshold is higher than the previous 0.1% required in 2020, thanks to a law passed since the last presidential election.

If the race ends up in the margin for a recount, one will automatically be triggered by a court order.

Georgia

In the Peach State, there are no automatic recounts, but a candidate may request a recount under certain circumstances.

A candidate may request a recount if the margin is within or equal to 0.5% between the leading finishers of a race. The state’s laws also allow for the secretary of state or an election official to request a recount if there is a “suspected error or discrepancy,” according to the state.

Michigan

In the Great Lake State, there are provisions for both automatic and requested recounts.

An automatic recount will occur if the margin between the first-place candidate and the second-place candidate is 2,000 votes or less.

A candidate may request a recount if they have “a good­ faith belief that they would have had a reasonable chance of winning the election,” and they must specify which precincts they seek to have recounted and pay a deposit for each precinct. The deposit depends on the candidate’s margin between themselves and the winner.

Nevada

In the Silver State, there are no automatic recounts, but a candidate may request a recount within three working days of the statewide canvass. The candidate must pay a deposit for the recount, which is only refunded if the recount ends up changing the result of the race.

Once the request has been made, the recount would have to begin within five days, and once it does, it would need to be completed no longer than five days after.

North Carolina

In the Tar Heel State, a candidate may request a recount if the margin between the winner of a race and second place is at most 0.5% or 10,000 votes, whichever is less.

A candidate must request the recount by 12 p.m. on the second business day after the statewide canvass is completed. The recount costs are covered by the state.

Pennsylvania

In the Keystone State, there are provisions for both mandatory and requested recounts.

A mandatory recount occurs in the state if the margin between the top two candidates falls within 0.5%.

A candidate may not request a recount, but three voters in the commonwealth may request a recount no later than five days after the state canvass if they allege fraud or error. The recount cost must be covered by the petitioners but will be refunded if substantial fraud or error is found.

Wisconsin

In the Badger State, a candidate can request a recount within one business day of the canvass. However, if the margin of victory is more than 0.25 percentage points, then the petitioner must pay for the recount.

As outlined by federal law, states must certify their results and electors to the Electoral College by Dec. 11, 2024.

The Electoral College will meet on Dec. 17, 2024, and a joint session of Congress will certify the vote of the Electoral College on Jan. 6, 2025.



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