Who can request a recount? (2024)

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A recount is a process by which votes cast in an election are re-tabulated to verify the accuracy of the original results. As of September 2024, 42 states allow a candidate to request a recount. In 27 states, automatic recounts are possible. Recounts typically occur in the event of a close margin of victory, following accusations of election fraud, or due to the possibility of administrative errors. To learn about who pays for these recounts, click here.

Candidate-requested recounts

Candidates may request a recount in 42 states. Those states are highlighted in the map below. To read more about specific rules for candidate-requested recounts by state, click here.

Voter-requested recounts

Voters may request a recount in 35 states. State law defines the elections in which voters have standing to request a recount.

• In four states, state law does not limit voters to requesting recounts in specific elections.
• In 28 states, voters are limited to requesting recounts for ballot measures.
• In Delaware, voters may only request a recount in local school board elections.
• In South Dakota, voters may request recounts in specific precincts for any election, but are otherwise limited to only requesting recounts for ballot measures.
• In Texas, voters may request recounts in presidential primaries but are otherwise limited to only requesting recounts for ballot measures.

Each of those types of states is highlighted on the map below.

See also

• Can candidates win an election if they have already conceded?
• Election recount laws and procedures in the 50 states
• Who pays for recounts and contested elections?
• Who can file election-related lawsuits?
• Who can call a redo election?
• What are the reasons to call a redo election?