Voting System Used

 This search field describes the various methods and equipment used by voters to cast their votes in each state. This category focuses only on the primary and accessible voting equipment used, and does not include any variations that may exist for absentee or provisional ballots. For most states, absentee ballots are hand-counted paper ballots only. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Counting Method

This search field describes the methods by which votes are recounted. This category exists separately from Voting System Used, for while two states may both use paper ballots, one may hand count all ballots while another may feed all ballots into an automatic tabulator. Unless otherwise noted, the counting method applies to votes cast on the primary and accessible voting equipment and not to how absentee and provisional ballots are counted. See the individual search terms for further clarifications. Counting method chosen by election official – This search term, for the Counting Method search field, indicates that state law allows election officials discretion when performing a recount as to the counting method to be used. The election official responsible for choosing the counting method varies by state.

Close Vote Margin Options

This search field captures the different requirements used by states to determine if the difference in votes received by competing candidates or by opposing positions on a ballot measure is small enough to automatically initiate a recount. The search options include both percentages (in which the vote margin between candidates is divided by a given number of votes, such as the total votes cast for an office) as well as vote count differences (in which a set number of votes, rather than a percentage, is given as the requirement). See "Less than or equal to X%" below for more details.

Initiating Mechanism

This search field describes both persons (candidates, voters, election officials, courts) and circumstances (close vote margins, or audit results mandating a recount) that may trigger a recount to occur after the initial counting of votes. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Audit Laws Details

This search field shows those states that have in place laws regarding not just recounts but also post-election audits. While only two states (Hawaii and Mississippi) lack recount laws, many more states lack laws regarding post-election audits.

Candidate-Initiated Options

This search field describes a number of notable characteristics that shape the candidate-initiated recount process differently in each state. These include both limitations that a state may set (some states allow candidates to request a recount only if there is a particular close vote margin, or only if they are running for a particular office) and privileges that a state may grant (such as allowing party officials to request a recount if the candidate does not).

Cost for Candidate-Initiated Recounts

These search fields describe the various means by which states obtain funds to pay for a recount initiated by a candidate or voter(s). This search field exists only for candidate- and voter-initiated recounts, as these are the only initiating mechanisms for which states charge the cost to a private individual, rather than paying the cost from local or state public funds. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Cost for Voter-Initiated Recounts

These search fields describe the various means by which states obtain funds to pay for a recount initiated by a candidate or voter(s). This search field exists only for candidate- and voter-initiated recounts, as these are the only initiating mechanisms for which states charge the cost to a private individual, rather than paying the cost from local or state public funds. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Challengers and Observers

 This search field describes the different ways in which states provide guidance for the public to participate as observers and challengers in the recount process. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Rules for Determining Voter Intent

This search field captures whether state law (including administrative rules and codes in addition to state statutes) provides any guidance and who has the authority to establish definitions of voter intent. While some states provide definitions and guidance for how voter intent is determined in statute, others use the statutes to delegate authority to an office such as the Secretary of State or State Election Board; other states neither delegate authority nor provide guidance (whether general or detailed) as to how voter intent should be determined. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Close Vote Margin

Generally, a “close vote margin” is when the margin of votes between two candidates or two answers on a ballot question is quite small, or close. What constitutes “close” varies by state, as does the actual method for calculating this margin; please see the Close Vote Margin section on each state profile for details both on the specific margin set and the method used to calculate the margin. We use the term in several places in the recount database:

  1. The Close Vote Margin search field captures the different requirements used by states to determine if the difference in votes received by competing candidates or answers on a ballot measure is small enough to warrant a recount. The search options include both percentages (in which the vote margin between candidates is divided by a given number of votes, such as the total votes cast for an office) as well as vote count differences (in which a set number of votes, rather than a percentage, is given as the requirement). Please note that the percentage options indicate the highest vote margin that will initiate a recount in a given state. See “Less than or equal to X%” for more details.
  2. Close vote margin as a search term for the Initiating Mechanisms search field is used to describe any state that has laws requiring that a recount take place if the difference in votes received by competing candidates or answers on a measure is small enough that it falls within a pre-established margin. (The actual language used by states to describe this type of recount varies greatly, but they are often referred to as “automatic” or “mandatory” recounts.)

Recounts initiated by a close vote margin differ from those recounts that are described as a candidate - or voter-initiated with a close vote margin required. For the latter, a voter or candidate must take action in order for a recount to begin, though the law limits their ability to request a recount to those times when there is a close vote margin. For the former, election officials are legally bound to begin recount proceedings regardless of the actions of candidates or voters. The term is also used more generally throughout the recount guide any time a small vote margin somehow comes into play for a recount (for instance, a state may require that a different counting method be used if the election results fall within a specified close vote margin). It is important to note that different methods are used from state to state to calculate the vote margin. Please see the Close Vote Margin section of each state profile for details.

Voter-Initiated Options

This search field describes the characteristics that shape the voter-initiated recount process in each state. These include both limitations a state may set (some states allow voters to request a recount only if there is a particular close vote margin) and privileges a state may grant (such as allowing voters to request recounts for offices as well as ballot measures). See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

Initiating Mechanisms

This search field describes both persons (candidates, voters, election officials, courts) and circumstances (close vote margins, or audit results mandating a recount) that may trigger a recount to occur after the initial counting of votes. See the individual search terms for further clarifications.

This information was updated 11/2/2020.

Voting System Used

Paper Ballot (hand marked paper ballots, ballot marking devices for accessibility)

For more details, visit Verified Voting.  

Counting Method

Mix of hand count and retabulation

Paper ballots initially counted by hand will again be recounted by hand. Additional ballots to be counted by hand include ballots tabulated by optical scanners that contain “write-in votes, overvotes, and undervotes,” and “any ballots not accepted by the tabulator, and any ballots for which a tabulator could not be programmed to meet the programming requirements.” However, all other ballots tabulated by optical scanners are retabulated by machine. Automatic tabulators must be tested prior to retabulation and for recounts are set to count the votes only for the office or initiative in question. There can be only one "redetermination of the vote" in each precinct. “The recount proceeding shall be final and not subject to appeal.” Virginia Code (VA Code) 24.2-802.2(D) & (G).

Initiating Mechanisms

Close vote margin
Candidate-initiated
Voter-initiated

Close Vote Margin Options

Less than or equal to 0.5%
Initiated by request

When there is a difference of not more than one-half of one percent between the candidate apparently nominated or elected and the candidate petitioning for the recount, the petitioner is entitled to a taxpayer funded recount. VA Code 24.2-802.3(A).  Candidates are required to petition the appropriate circuit court for the recount. VA Code 24.2-801.

Timing: VA Code 24.2-801 and 24.2-802.1. For a recount of election of presidential electors see VA Code 24.2-801.1.

Candidate-Initiated Options

Close vote margin required

Any defeated candidate in any election may petition for a recount if the difference between the apparent winning candidate and the apparent defeated candidate falls within the close-vote margin requirement of not more than one percent of the total vote cast for the two candidates.  The close-vote margin increases for recounts involving write-in candidates.  When there is between any write-in candidate apparently nominated or elected and any candidate apparently defeated, or between any candidate apparently nominated or elected and any write-in candidate apparently defeated, a difference of not more than five percent of the total vote cast for the two such candidates, the defeated candidate may petition for a recount. VA Code 24.2-800(B).    

Timing: VA Code 24.2-801 and 24.2-802.1. For a recount of election of presidential electors see VA Code 24.2-801.1.

Voter-Initiated Options

Close vote margin required
Voters may request recounts for initiatives/questions

A minimum of 50 voters, qualified to vote on the ballot question, is required to petition for a recount. There is a close vote margin requirement: the difference between the votes for and against a ballot question must be not more than fifty votes or not more than one percent of the total votes cast on the question, whichever is greater.  VA Code 24.2-800(C)

Timing:  VA Code 24.2-801

Cost for Candidate-Initiated Recounts

Initiator pays set or per jurisdiction fee
Initiator pays deposit or bond before recount
Payer of costs depends on outcome of recount

Recount petitioners must post a $10 per precinct bond, to be refunded if the recount alters the election outcome in their favor.  If the petitioner loses the recount, the bond is forfeit to the extent of the assessed costs, and if the assessed costs exceed the bond, the petitioner is liable for all the assessed costs. When the vote margin, prior to the recount, between the petitioner and the candidate apparently nominated or elected is not more than 0.5%, then the petitioner is not required to post bond and the costs of the recount are assessed against the counties and cities comprising the election district.  VA Code 24.2-802.3.

Cost for Voter-Initiated Recounts

Initiator pays set or per jurisdiction fee
Initiator pays deposit or bond before recount
Payer of costs depends on outcome of recount

Recount petitioners must post a $10 per precinct bond, to be refunded if the recount alters the election outcome in their favor.  If the petitioner loses the recount, the bond is forfeit to the extent of the assessed costs, and if the assessed costs exceed the bond, the petitioner is liable for all the assessed costs. VA Code 24.2-802.3.

Challengers and Observers

Party/candidate or initiator has statutory authority to appoint observers

Each candidate, or petitioner and governing body or chief executive officer may to select an equal number of the officers of election to be recount officials and to count printed ballots.  Upon request, any party to the recount is allowed to appoint  one observer for each team of recount officials. VA Code 24.2-802.1(C)

Ballots may be challenged by the recount officials during the recount.  These challenged ballots are reviewed by representatives of the campaigns and election officials, and any unresolved issues are ultimately decided by the chief judge of the circuit court or the full recount court.  Observers are not able to challenge ballots.  See the Recounts: Step by Step Instructions (pp. 5-6, 20) and VA Code 24.2-802.  

The  Recount: Step by Step Instructions  (p.6) state that “the news media and the general public may also be in the room, but are not allowed to handle any official materials or disturb the proceedings in any way.” 

Rules for Determining Voter Intent

Statutory guidance provided
Secretary of State or Election Board responsible for defining intent

The State Board of Elections is responsible for standards for determining voter intent. VA Code 24.2-802(A). In addition, the Virginia Administrative Code state that for "any paper ballot that is to be counted manually and can be counted manually, the guidelines adopted by the State Board of Elections for hand-counting shall be used in determining the voter's intent.” 1VAC20-80-20(G).   

The detailed guidelines from the State Board of Elections are available in the publication:"Ballot Examples: Handcounting Printed Ballots for Virginia Elections or Recounts."   Additional guidelines for determining a valid vote can be found in VA Code 24.2-644.

State Has Audit Laws
Yes
Revision Notes

This information was updated 11/2/2020 using the Code of Virginia available here.