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King County Records, Elections & Licensing Services Division
King County Admin. Bldg., #553
500 Fourth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104

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Hours: Weekdays
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(206) 296-VOTE for General Information

 

(206) 296-0109 TTY
(206) 296-0108 FAX
elections@metrokc.gov

 

Recount Frequently Asked Questions

What triggers a recount?

State law requires a machine or manual recount depending on the margin of difference between candidates. A machine recount is required if the difference between a candidate apparently nominated or elected and the closest apparently defeated opponent is less than 2,000 AND also less than one half of one percent of the total votes cast for both candidates. A manual recount is required in local races if the difference is less than 150 votes AND also less than one quarter of one percent of the total votes cast for both candidates.

Are recounts mandatory?

A machine or manual recount is required by state law if the conditions above are met. A manual recount is required unless the candidates involved agree to an alternative method for conducting the recount.

A recount can also be requested for elective offices or ballot measures. A recount for an elective office can be requested by an officer of a political party or any person for whom votes were cast in an election or in a primary by a person not nominated. A recount for a ballot measure or issue can be made by a group of five or more registered voters one of whom needs to be designated group chairperson.

A request for a recount must be submitted to the Canvassing Board within three working days of certification. The requestor must pay for it as follows:

  • Twenty-five cents per ballot for a hand recount.
  • Fifteen cents per ballot for a machine recount.

Does King County have to hire additional staff to conduct a recount?

Yes, King County will hire extra staff including:

  • Ballot sorting boards who worked over the weekend preparing for the recount
  • Official party observers
  • Runners
  • Tabulators to operate the vote counting machines
  • Supervisors

How will ballots be secured during the recount?

The ballots are stored in sealed containers and secured in a locked cage when not being processed. The recount facility is monitored round the clock by uniformed security, infrared sensors and security cameras.

How many recounts has King County conducted in the last five years?

  • Primary Election 2005 recount in the Sherrif's race. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2005sep/resPageRecount.html
  • General Election 2004 machine and manual recount of 899,199 ballots in the race for Washington State Governor's race. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2004recount/results2.htm
  • Primary Election 2004 recount of 298 votes in Operation Excess Levy, 70 votes in Republican Precinct Committee Officer in SAM 05-0100, 167 votes in Democratic Precinct Committee Officer in SEA 36-2172 and 188 votes in Democratic Precinct Committee Officer in SEA 36-1734.
  • General Election 2003 recount of 1,067 ballots in the race for City of Medina Council Position No. 4. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2003nov/recountmedina.htm
  • Primary 2003 recount of 145,933 ballots for the City of Bellevue Council Position 3 and the City of Seattle Council Position 1. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2003sep/recount.htm
  • February Special Election 2003 recount of 15,881 for the Renton School District bond issue.
  • General Election 2002 recount of 32,014 ballots in the race for 47th Legislative District, Representative Position No. 2. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/2002nov/recount.htm
  • General and Special Elections 2001 for Pacific City Council, Position No. 7; Water District No. 85, Position No. 2; SeaTac City Council, Position No. 2; Auburn City Council, Position No. 2; Des Moines City Council, Position No. 1; and, Shoreline City Council, Position No. 1.

Updated: Nov.19, 2005

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