An Act to Initiate Recounts in Tied Elections
Sponsored By: Marc Malon (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Automatic recounts and runoffs for ties
The Secretary of State must start a recount when results show an apparent tie. In town plurality races, the clerk also starts a recount. If the recount still ties, officials set a runoff date or, within 7 days after the election, tied candidates may withdraw by filing a signed, notarized notice. After 7 days, officers must call a runoff by posting a warrant; if only one candidate remains, that person wins and is sworn in. These steps apply unless a municipal meeting held at least 180 days before the election sets a different process, and a new meeting is called if a tie is found after adjournment.
Stricter recount request rules for candidates
Any candidate who is not the apparent winner may request a recount from the Secretary of State. The request must be in writing and filed within 5 business days after the election. In ranked-choice races, only candidates who were in the top three at the end of the penultimate round may request a recount. The recount is supervised by the Secretary of State. The candidate may not personally count ballots, but their representatives or lawyer may.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Marc Malon
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Mike Tipping
Democratic • Senate
Sharon Frost
Independent • House
Stephan Bunker
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 114
5/23/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/22/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-145) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-145), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
5/20/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-145).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/14/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
2/20/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-145), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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