HB366 Summary

• Automatic recounts are required in general elections when a candidate is defeated by 0.5% or less of votes cast, unless the defeated candidate waives the recount within 24 hours to the Secretary of State (state offices) or judge of probate (county offices).

• New provisions establish automatic recounts in primary elections when a candidate is defeated by no more than 0.5% of votes cast, with waivers submitted to the appropriate state or county executive committee within 24 hours.

• Recounts must commence within 72 hours of election certification and include minimum safeguards: sealed ballot containers, trained poll officials supervising, representatives of opposing interests given 24 hours' notice, and hand recounts for any ballots rejected by counters.

• Recount costs are charged to the state for federal, state, circuit, district, and legislative offices; to the county for county offices; and to the political party for party primary elections.

• If a recount changes the election outcome, it constitutes grounds for an election contest; the time limit for contesting an election is suspended until recount results are recertified.