Automatic recount procedures
Georgia does not require automatic recounts.
Requested recount procedures
Under Georgia law, recounts may be requested under the following conditions:
- A candidate may request a recount within two business days following the certification of results if the margin between candidates is less than or equal to 0.5%. This threshold was set in 2019 following the passage of H.B. 319.
- An election official may order, at his or her discretion, a recount if it appears there is a discrepancy or error in the returns. In precincts using paper or scanned ballots, any candidate or political party may petition the election official to make such an order. In precincts using voting machines, any three electors of the precinct may do the same.
- For constitutional amendments and binding referendum questions, the Constitutional Amendment Publication Board may, at its discretion, request a recount if the margin is less than or equal to 0.5% within two business days following the certification of results.
- The Secretary of State may request a recount at his or her discretion if a candidate for federal or state office petitions the office regarding an apparent discrepancy or error in the returns.
State law specifies neither deadlines for completion nor who is responsible for requested recount costs. Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota writes, “According to the Office of the Georgia Secretary of State, for recounts authorized under Title 21, the petitioners are not responsible for any of the costs incurred by election officials.”
For more information about recount procedures in Georgia, click here.