Recount Frequently Asked Questions
September 19, 2006 Primary & Special Election
What triggers a recount?
After the canvassing board has certified election results on Friday, September 29, close races will be examined to determine if they meet the state requirements for 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 the top two candidates is less than 2,000 votes AND less than one half of one percent of the total votes cast for both candidates. For statewide elections, the difference between candidates must be less than 1,000 votes AND less than one-fourth of one percent of the total number of votes cast for both candidates.
A manual recount must be conducted for state races if the difference between the apparent winner and the closest defeated opponent is less than one quarter of one percent of the total votes cast for both candidates AND less than 1,000 votes. For local races, a manual recount must be conducted if the difference between the apparent winner and the closest defeated opponent is less than 150 votes AND 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.
These costs are deposits only and the party requesting the recount must pay for all costs associated with the recount. If the recount changes the results, the requesting party does not have to pay the costs of the recount.
Does King County have to hire additional staff to conduct a recount?
Yes, King County will hire extra staff including:
- Ballot sorting boards
- Official party observers (paid)
- Runners
- Tabulators to operate the vote counting machines
Will this recount establish a definite winner?
Yes. Upon completion of the recount , the Canvassing Board will certify an Amended Abstract of Votes for the office recounted and the results of the count shall stand unless an additional recount is requested.
How many recounts has King County conducted in the last five years?
- Primary 2005 recount of 18,761 ballots from 160 precincts in the King County Sheriff' race. View results online at http://www.metrokc.gov/elections/news/2005_10_05.htm
- 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 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.
When will King County post its final results?
Final results will be posted after the Canvassing Board certifies the final results of the recount results.
|
