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Bill

Bill

S 3202

Requires automatic recount for local elections with vote difference of 10 votes or less at candidate's request; provides for geographic regions for judges to adjudicate election recounts and contests; establishes certain adjudication and hearing timelines.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Corrado

Bill requires automatic recounts in local elections with margins of 10 votes or less and establishes regional judges with timelines to adjudicate recount disputes.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3202

Legislative bill overview

S 3202 mandates automatic recounts in local elections when the vote margin between candidates is 10 votes or fewer, triggered by a candidate's request. The bill also establishes geographic regions with designated judges to handle election recount disputes and contests, along with specific timelines for adjudication and hearings to ensure timely resolution.

Why is this important

Close local elections can determine control of school boards, municipal councils, and county offices that directly affect community services, budgets, and policies. Clear recount procedures and defined timelines reduce litigation uncertainty and help restore public confidence in election integrity when results are genuinely competitive.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and administrative burden: Automatic recounts for all elections within 10 votes could strain local election resources and create delays in certifying results, particularly in counties with many concurrent races
  • Threshold ambiguity: A 10-vote threshold may be arbitrary—some argue it's too broad (triggering recounts in non-competitive races) while others contend it's too narrow (missing legitimately close races with slightly larger margins)
  • Judge assignment and consistency: Creating geographic regions for election judges raises questions about whether judges have sufficient election law expertise and whether regional assignment ensures consistent interpretation of recount standards statewide

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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