Audits and recounts are two different post-election processes, but both are designed to help build confidence in our elections—they help demonstrate that the winner won and the loser lost.
Recount and audit laws vary by state but both processes involve examining paper ballots. Visit our Audit Law Database and Recount Law Database to learn even more about a specific state’s laws, timelines, regulations, and procedures.
What is the difference between an audit and a recount?
A tabulation audit is a routine part of the post-election process designed to check whether ballots were counted accurately and happens regardless of the reported election results. A recount is performed in response to something that may have happened in a specific contest, such as a very close margin, and could be initiated automatically by statute or requested by candidates, voters, election officials, or interested parties. In most cases, the objective of a recount is to determine the outcome of a specific contest by counting all the ballots again.
How are ballots checked in each process?
Best practices for audits include routinely examining a sample of paper ballots by hand to check the machine-tabulated results. Although some states recount ballots by hand, in most cases, recounts are conducted by re-scanning ballots and only manually examining the ballots that can’t be interpreted by the scanners.
How many ballots are examined?
A recount usually examines all ballots for a specific contest, and often allows the interested parties to challenge the interpretation of the voter’s intent. Audits can give confidence in the election outcome by examining only a fraction of the ballots. Many types of audits, including risk-limiting audits, call for examining an increasing number of ballots—even performing a full hand count—if discrepancies are identified that don’t provide adequate evidence to support the reported election outcome.
When do audits and recounts happen?
Audits and recounts happen after Election Day and after an initial vote count is reported. The timing of when audits and recounts take place varies depending on the state. Audits usually begin several days after Election Day, as they often require time for contest and sample selection. Ideally, an audit happens prior to a recount and escalates to a full recount if discrepancies are found. Both processes are most effective when they are completed prior to the finalization of election results.
In our publication “Coordinating Audits and Recounts to Strengthen Election Verification,” co-authored with Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota, we recommend that states enact well-integrated audit and recount laws, so that election officials have sufficient time to meet post-election deadlines.
If there is a recount, is an audit necessary?
Often, yes. A recount usually covers a single contest, while a routine audit can give valuable information about other contests.
Many recounts rescan ballots by machine, sometimes on different equipment, so the recount still depends on technology. A supplemental hand count audit alongside the recount can confirm that the machines read voters’ choices correctly. Some states already include this step in their recount procedures, and it’s a good practice even where the law doesn’t require it.
If there is not a recount, can audits help provide evidence that the election outcome was correct?
Yes. Routine tabulation audits are part of the continuous checks that election officials use to ensure that ballots are accurately counted. They also help identify unexpected issues that election officials can address before the results are certified.
Beyond tabulation audits, other essential processes are routinely audited throughout the year to ensure that each election runs smoothly, including signature verification, list maintenance, chain of custody, and more.
Want to learn even more about audits and recounts?
Visit the following resources: “Principles and Best Practices for Post-Election Tabulation Audits” and “Recount Principles and Best Practices.”
Previous versions of this blog were published in 2024 and 2020.