Election recount

Recounts will often take place if the initial vote tally during an election is extremely close.

[4] As in federal elections, candidates may request recounts subject to the discretion of electoral authorities.

Electors (including candidates) may also petition for recounts within four days of the final vote count under certain conditions.

As in Australia, an official count takes place shortly after the election day involving a recount of all of the ballots in electorates.

With DRE voting machines, a voter-verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) is examined from each voter.

For some DREs that do not generate a VVPAT, images can be printed for each ballot cast and counted individually.

In some jurisdictions, recounts are mandatory in the event the difference between the top two candidates is less than a percentage of votes cast or of a fixed number.

The winning side will usually encourage the loser to waive the recount in a show of unity and to avoid spending taxpayer money.

[33] It is possible for a defeated candidate denied a recount by the Returning Officer, to request one from the court by means of an election petition.