Recount laws in Alaska

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An election recount is a process by which votes cast in an election are re-tabulated to verify the accuracy of the original results. Recounts typically occur in the event of a close margin of victory, following accusations of election fraud, or due to the possibility of administrative errors. Recounts can either occur automatically or be requested by a candidate or voters.


Note: The content below describes recount procedures in Alaska. The information on this page is not intended to serve as a manual for those seeking to start or halt a recount; individuals seeking more information about specific processes and requirements should contact their state election agencies.

Summary of recount laws

The list below shows answers to common questions regarding recounts in Alaska.[1]

  • Does state law require automatic recounts?
    • Yes, when a tie vote occurs.
  • When must an automatic recount be completed?
    • No set deadline.
  • Can a recount be requested?
    • Yes, the recount must be requested within five days of state certification, or within three days for the gubernatorial or lieutenant gubernatorial general election. No margin is required. The deadline to complete a requested recount is no later than ten days after the start of the recount.
  • Who pays for a requested recount?
    • Varies. The state, if the margin of victory is less than 20 votes or 0.5% of the votes cast. The requester, if the results are outside of those margins.
  • Is a refund available for requested recount costs?
    • Yes. Costs paid by the requester are refunded if the recount changes the election outcome or changes the percentage of votes for the requester by 4% or more. The state covers the cost of the recount if the results are within a specific close vote margin.
  • Can a partial recount be requested?
    • Yes.

Alaska recount procedures

Automatic recount procedures

If two or more candidates receive a tie vote, state law requires an automatic recount paid for by the state. State law does not specify a set deadline for the completion of an automatic recount.[2]

Requested recount procedures

A defeated candidate or group of ten qualified voters can request a recount if they believe there was a mistake made when counting the votes. The deadline to request a recount is within three days of the certification of a general election for governor or lieutenant governor and within five days for all other elections.[3] The deadline to complete a requested recount is no later than ten days after the start of the recount.[4]

The state pays for the requested recount if the margin of victory is less than 0.5% of the votes cast or fewer than 20 votes. If the margin of victory is greater than those covered by the state, the requester is responsible for costs associated with the recount. Any costs paid are refunded if the recount changes the outcome of the election and/or changes the percentage of votes for the requester by 4% or more.[5]

For more information about recount procedures in Alaska, click here.

Alaska voting equipment

See also: Voting methods and equipment by state

Alaska uses paper and Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) systems for its elections. The state does require a voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) when conducting elections. According to the National Academy of Sciences, a voter-verified paper audit trail "consists of physical paper records of voter ballots as voters have cast them on an electronic voting system. In the event that an election recount or audit is called for, the VVPAT provides a supporting record."[6][7]

50-state overview of recount laws

The table below summarizes where state laws allow for automatic and requested recounts. Click "show" to view the table.


50-state overview of requested recounts

The table below summarizes how requested recounts are paid for and whether it is possible for candidates to request a partial recount. Click "show" to view the table.


See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Alaska State Legislature, "AS 15.20.430", accessed October 16, 2020
  2. ↑ The Alaska State Legislature, "AS 15.15.460," accessed Oct. 16, 2020
  3. ↑ The Alaska State Legislature, "Authorization of recount application," accessed Oct. 16, 2020
  4. ↑ The Alaska State Legislature, "Procedure for recount," accessed Oct. 16, 2020
  5. ↑ The Alaska State Legislature, "Costs of recount; requirement of deposit," accessed Oct. 16, 2020
  6. ↑ Verified Voting, "The Verifier - Polling Place Equipment - Current," accessed October 7, 2015
  7. ↑ ProCon.org, "What Is a Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)?" accessed December 2, 2016
  8. ↑ Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota, "Arizona Recount Laws," accessed Nov. 16, 2020
  9. ↑ A court may order a recount under Arizona law.
  10. ↑ This category encompasses instances where the state government pays for recounts and those states where counties pay.
  11. ↑ A recount alone cannot change the election results, but can be used to contest the election. At the end of that process, the court may choose not to levy costs against the prevailing party.
  12. ↑ Recounts occur as part of a contested election. A requester may be required to cover costs before the start of such an event. The court may choose to require the unsuccessful party in a contested election to cover the costs, which could involve a refund to the requester if he or she is the successful party.
  13. ↑ In the case of a court-ordered recount, candidates must pay, but will be refunded if the outcome changes. Regarding non-court-ordered recounts, state law does not mention whether the candidate is refunded in such a case.
  14. ↑ The state covers requested recounts of statewide constitutional amendments. The requester covers all other recounts.
  15. ↑ For local and county ballot measure elections, state law does not mention the possibility of a refund. For all other recounts, costs paid by the requester are refunded if the recount changes the election outcome.
  16. ↑ No mention in state law.
  17. ↑ No mention in state law.
  18. ↑ The state pays for candidate-requested recounts. The requester pays for voter-requested recounts.
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