State Summary

Iowa does not have automatic recounts, but candidates for statewide elected or federal office may request a taxpayer-funded recount when there is a close vote margin of less than fifteen hundredths of one percent (0.15%). For all other races, the margin is either one percent or within fifty votes, whichever is less. Voters may also petition for a taxpayer-funded recount of a ballot measure when the 0.15% close vote margin is met. Election officials may also request recounts. For more information about election official-initiated recounts, see “Initiating Mechanisms.” Recount petitions by candidates, voters, or election officials must generally be filed within three days of the county canvass of votes, with some exceptions. Recounts are conducted fully by automated equipment, though a hand count can be ordered under extraordinary circumstances. For recounts of most contests, the recount board must complete the recount by 18 days after the county board canvass.

Counting Method

Mix of hand count and retabulation

A recount will be conducted fully by automated tabulating equipment. A hand count can be ordered by the state commissioner for a general assembly contest, or by a commissioner of a local elective office if there are extraordinary circumstances (initial recount machine failure, a discrepancy between the initial count and recount results, overvotes for an office that exceed the margin between the apparent winner and the second place candidate, etc.). All precincts being recounted must use the same method. Iowa Code § 50.48(3)(a).

Initiating Mechanisms

Close vote margin
Candidate-initiated
Voter-initiated
Election official-initiated

Election Official-Initiated Recounts: A county commissioner of elections may order an administrative recount if the commissioner determines that the results of a post-election audit requires one, due to errors or equipment malfunction. Iowa Code § 50.51(3)(a). See also Iowa Code § 50.50, which terms the process an “administrative audit,” and Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-21.25.

Close Vote Margin Options

Less than or equal to 0.25%
Vote count difference (not percentage-based)
Varies by election contest
Initiated by request

There are no automatic recount provisions, but candidates and voters may petition for a taxpayer-funded recount when a close vote margin exists.

For statewide and federal races, recounts can be ordered if the difference between the candidates or nominees is less than fifteen hundredths of one percent (0.15%). For all other races, the margin is either one percent or fifty votes, whichever is lesser. Iowa Code § 50.48(1)(c).

For ballot measures: The difference between the affirmative and negative votes cast on the public measure is less than fifteen hundredths of one percent for a public (0.15%) measure voted on by the electors of the entire state. For all other public measures, the margin is the lesser of one percent (1%) or fifty (50) votes. Iowa Code § 50.49(1).

*Timing:* For candidates, see Iowa Code § 50.48(1)(a), (1)(c), (2)(b) & (3)(b)) and Iowa Code § 43.56. For ballot measures, see Iowa Code § 50.49.

Candidate-Initiated Options

Close vote margin required

Candidates may petition for a taxpayer-funded recount only when the contest margin falls before the applicable close-vote margin. See ”Close Vote Margin Options” for details. Iowa Code § 50.48(1)(a) & (1)(c). Iowa Code § 43.56 (primaries).

*Timing:* Iowa Code § 50.48(1)(a), (1)(c), 3(a) & (4)(b)for general elections. Iowa Code § 43.56 for primaries.

Voter-Initiated Options

Close vote margin required
Voters may request recounts for initiatives/questions

In addition to requiring a close-vote margin, a recount for any ballot measures requires a petition by not less than ten eligible electors or a number of eligible electors equal to 1% of the total number of votes cast for the measure, whichever is greater. Iowa Code § 50.49.
*Timing:* Iowa Code § 50.49.

Cost for Candidate-Initiated Recounts

No guidance

There is no clear statutory guidance on the cost of candidate-initiated recounts. The statutory provisions requiring candidates to post a recount bond, including bond amounts and refunds, were repealed in 2025. 2025 Iowa Acts ch. 122 §§ 2, 9.

Cost for Voter-Initiated Recounts

No guidance

There is no clear statutory guidance on the cost of voter-initiated recounts.

Challengers and Observers

Party/candidate/initiator may appoint observers; no guidance on challengers; recount is public

The apparent winning candidate and the candidate requesting the recount can select no more than five observers in each county where the recount is being conducted. A candidate may replace one of their appointed observers at any time. Iowa Code § 50.48(2)(c). Regulations also require that recounts be open to the public, but observers may not participate in the recount. Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-26-106.

Iowa Code § 50.49 does not include a specific provision for observers in voter-initiated recounts, though it does note that their procedures should follow those for candidate-initiated recounts as closely as possible.

Rules for Determining Voter Intent

Rules for determining voter intent are found in Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-26.10–21 and 721-26.104(3).

Resources

Iowa Code § 43.56
Iowa Code § 50.48
Iowa Code § 50.49
Iowa Code § 50.50
Iowa Code § 50.51
Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-21.25
2025 Iowa Acts ch. 122 (H.F. 928)
Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-26.10–21
Iowa Admin. Code r. 721-26.101–107

Additional Resources

2026 Iowa Code - Title II - Elections and Official Duties
Iowa Secretary of State
Iowa Administrative Code - Secretary of State