Rumor vs Reality
- Reality Team
- October 26, 2020
Each state has slightly different rules for recounts. In 27 states a recount is automatic if the vote is very close. In 43 states, a candidate can request (and pay for) a recount if the results are within a specific margin.
Recounts rarely change the outcome of a race. One study found that on average, recounts change the vote totals by just 188 votes per million votes cast, or 0.0188%. Out of 27 recent recounts, the winner changed in just three races: one for Senator, one for Governor, and one for State Auditor.
References
FairVote: Resources / Research Reports / Statewide Election Recounts, 2000-2015
National Conference of State Legislatures: Automatic Recounts
Ballotpedia: Election Recount Laws and Procedures in the 50 States, 2020
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