Here in King County we’ve had a number of close elections in recent years – a Seattle City Council race decided by just 39 votes, a Des Moines City Council race won by 31. With tight races you might be wondering: what triggers an automatic recount?
First, it’s important to know that there are two different types of recounts:
- Machine recounts – in which all ballots for that race are re-scanned and re-tabulated electronically; and,
- Manual recounts – in which all ballots for that race are counted by hand.
There are different thresholds for machine and manual recounts, as well as different thresholds for the type of race.
Mandatory Machine Recount
For all races and statewide measures a recount is triggered if the gap is fewer than 2,000 votes and also less than .5% (.005) of the total votes cast for both candidates.
Mandatory Manual Recount
- For statewide races and measures a recount is triggered if the gap is fewer than 1,000 votes and also less than .25% (.0025) of the total votes cast for both candidates.
- For other races a recount is triggered if the gap is fewer than 150 votes and also less than .25% (.0025) of the total votes cast for both candidates
There are no mandatory recounts for state advisory votes or local measures.
Requested Recount
- An application for a requested recount must be filed within two business days after the County Canvassing Board or Secretary of State has declared the official results of the primary or election for which the recount is requested. The application must specify the race or state measure to be recounted.
Totally simple and straightforward, right? If not, don’t worry – King County Elections has you covered. You can learn more about recounts on our Elections website, or here at the Secretary of State’s website.
Election Connection 