Who Can Request a Recount?
Any voter may file a request for a recount.
When Can a Recount Request Be Submitted?
The request must be filed within five calendar days after the election is officially certified.
Where Do I File the Request for the Recount?
The recount request must be filed with the office of the elections official responsible for conducting the election.
What is the Cost for a Recount?
Before the recount begins and each day it continues, the requester (or the requester’s designee) must deposit funds to cover daily recount costs, including costs to produce relevant material for the recount.. The requester must reimburse the county for the cost of each recount board member as required by law. If the recount changes the outcome, eligible refundable amounts will be returned.
What Must Be Included in the Request?
The request must be made in writing. It should:
• Specify the contest, candidate, or measure to be recounted;
• May optionally specify the order in which the ballots will be recounted by precinct or batch.
• If the contest covers multiple counties, the request may specify the order in which counties will conduct the recount.
• State on behalf of which candidate, slate of electors, or position on a measure it is filed;
• Specify the method of counting to be used (electronic, manual or both)(optional); and
• Specify any other relevant material to be examined.
How Does the Elections Official Notify the Public That a Recount is Occurring?
At least one day before the recount begins, the elections official will post notice of date and place and notify all candidates, authorized representatives of presidential candidates (if applicable), measure proponents/opponents, and the Secretary of State (for state/federal contests) by in-person contact, email, or overnight mail.
What is the Recount Process?
Recounts are open to the public. A recount must begin within seven business days after receipt of the request. If ballots were cast or tabulated by a voting system, the requester must choose whether the recount is conducted manually or by the original voting system, and if manual and ballot images exist, whether to use paper ballots or ballot images. Special recount boards are convened by the elections official with four individuals appointed at their discretion; anyone tallying ballots must be eligible to register to vote in California.
How are the Recount Results Handled?
Recount results are valid only if every ballot in the contest is recounted. If the recount changes the outcome, the official canvass will be updated. Results will be posted conspicuously in the elections office and may also be posted on the elections official’s website for at least 30 days.
How are Recounts Handled When the Contest Covers More Than One County?
If the contest spans multiple counties, the request may specify the order in which each county conducts its portion of the recount. Each county will coordinate its part of the recount once notified.
What Materials May be Examined During a Recount?
All ballots (voted or not) and other election materials may be examined as part of a recount if the requester specifies in writing what materials are to be reviewed prior to beginning the recount. Access to sensitive parts of the voting system and voter-identifying information is restricted.