Counting the votes again to double-check that the first reported total was correct.
An additional count of the votes cast in an election, typically required due to state law, a candidate request, or a court order, that is used to determine the accuracy of the reported results of an election. This process may be conducted using ballot tabulation equipment or by-hand depending on local laws and procedures.
Example
After a statewide race was decided by a few hundred votes, the losing candidate requested a recount of all paper ballots in the county.
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An additional count of the votes cast in an election, typically required due to state law, a candidate request, or a court order, that is used to determine the accuracy of the reported results of an election. This process may be conducted using ballot tabulation equipment or by-hand depending on local laws and procedures.
Cite this term
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Recount. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved September 14, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/recount
Sources
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High consensus
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Disputed
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Multi-source
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