Candidate- and voter-initiated recounts must be requested within a certain time period after the vote canvass, and the requestor may be required to post a bond for the estimated costs of con- ducting the recount. The requester is sometimes reimbursed if the recount changes the outcome of the contest.
When can you request a recount?
A voter may file a recount request within five days beginning on the 31st day after a statewide election, or within five days following completion of any post canvass risk-limiting audit conducted pursuant to Elections Code section 15560.
How many votes do you need for a recount?
A machine recount will occur if the election results for the top two candidates are separated by more than 150 votes and less than 2,000 votes. A manual recount will occur if the difference between the top two candidates is less than one-quarter of one percent and the two are separated by 150 votes or fewer.
