Election recount

Election recount

In the United States recounts rarely reverse election results. Of the 4,687 statewide general elections held from 2000 to 2015, 27 were followed by a recount. Only three resulted in a change of outcome from the original count. In some jurisdictions, recounts are mandatory in the event the difference between the top two candidates is less than a percentage of votes.

About Election recount in brief

Summary Election recountAn election recount is a repeat tabulation of votes cast in an election. Recounts will often take place if the initial vote tally during an election is extremely close. In the United States recounts rarely reverse election results. Of the 4,687 statewide general elections held from 2000 to 2015, 27 were followed by a recount. Only three resulted in a change of outcome from the original count: 2004 Washington gubernatorial election, 2006 Vermont Auditor of Accounts election, and 2008 United States Senate election in Minnesota.

In some jurisdictions, recounts are mandatory in the event the difference between the top two candidates is less than a percentage of votes. Mandatory recounts are paid for by the elections official, or the state.