RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) – Candidates trailing in close North Carolina races can request a recount if they lost by no more than 1% of the votes cast, the State Board of Elections says.
The 1% threshold applies to races that are not statewide. The board stated no statewide races appear close enough to qualify for a recount.
Candidates can request recounts after county election boards complete their official review of results Friday. Nov. 13.
For races overseen by a county election board, candidates must submit a written request to the board by 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16.
For races under the state board’s jurisdiction, including U.S. House races and legislative districts that span multiple counties, requests must reach the state board by noon Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Any recounts would begin next week, with ballots run through counting machines. Recounts are open to the public, and county election boards must give at least 48 hours’ notice before they begin. The county boards pay for the recounts.
After a machine recount, a trailing candidate has 24 hours to request a hand count of a sample of ballots. A full hand recount could follow if the sample shows enough discrepancies to potentially change the outcome.
Machine recounts are expected to be completed by Nov. 23.
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