Recount Law and Legal Definition
Recount means the process of retabulating ballots and producing amended election returns based on that retabulation, even if the vote totals have not changed. A recount is only one possible remedy in a contest. Any voter can file petition for a recount. In California and Florida, a single voter can initiate recount whereas in other states, a large number is required for the same. Provisions conferring a political party to seek recount is rare and limited. In Indiana, a party may seek recount only if a candidate does not initiate the same. Various grounds for seeking a recount in the U.S. are: belief of mistake or error, misconduct or fraud, mechanical failure and close election. A board of canvassers, commissioners appointed by the court or judge or other similar officials are authorized to order or conduct a recount under certain circumstances.
