WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Matt Smyth

Director of Communications

UVa. Center for Politics

What are the rules governing when a recount is necessary or allowed?

In Virginia, election recounts don’t take place automatically, but rather they can be requested when one candidate is within a single percentage point or less of the apparent winner. If the contested margin is within one half of a percentage point, then the state and individual localities will fund the costs of the recount. Otherwise, the requesting candidate must provide a bond in the amount of $10 per precinct in advance — Virginia is comprised of over 2,400 precincts — and then reimburse the actual cost of the recount. The 2005 recount cost taxpayers about $115,000, and each campaign paid over $200,000 each in legal fees.

What is the history of recounts in Virginia?

Virginia has only witnessed two statewide recounts to date: The first involved the 1989 race for governor, when Doug Wilder defeated Marshall Coleman. That recount saw a shift of about two dozen votes in the final tally. Just last year, the statewide race for attorney general between Bob McDonnell and Creigh Deeds ended up going to a recount that resulted in a net gain of 37 votes for McDonnell, who then won by 360.

Has there ever been an instance where the recount changes who is elected?

In the Old Dominion’s limited experience with recounts, there obviously has not been a recount that has changed the original Election Day outcome. However, just two years ago in 2004, the state of Washington experienced a back-and-forth recount that did indeed change the identity of the winning candidate [for governor]. Following the election, the Washington Secretary of State certified Dino Rossi as the winner by a total of 42 votes; after multiple recounts and legal challenges, Christine Gregoire was determined to have won by 133 votes.

What is the timeline regarding canvassing and recounts in Virginia?

In the days following the election, the State Board of Elections will routinely canvass all of the precincts to officially tabulate and record all of the results that were rapidly processed on election night. Traditionally, a candidate can gain or lose from several hundred to a few thousand votes once canvassing is complete and the results are certified. – Christy Goodman