Michigan triggers automatic recounts when margins hit 0.1 percent

Michigan law forces a recount when the gap between candidates drops to 0.1 percent of the total votes cast in a statewide race. This automatic trigger applies to the high-profile contests on the 2026 ballot, including the U.S. Senate and governor’s seats.

The state uses different cutoffs for legislative races. A recount is required in state senate elections if the margin is 75 votes or fewer. For state House races, the threshold is tighter at 25 votes or fewer. These rules are outlined in the Michigan Secretary of State’s recount manual.

Candidates can also request a recount outside of these automatic triggers. A petition must reach the Secretary of State or the local clerk by 5 p.m. on the second day after results are certified. The candidate must state a good-faith belief that errors in the vote count changed the outcome.

The law requires that the number of votes requested for recount be greater than the difference between the winning candidate and the petitioner. Candidates must submit a financial deposit with their request. If the recount changes the winner, the deposit is refunded. If the result stands, the money covers administrative costs.

A recount is an administrative process, not a fraud investigation. The state defines the scope as determining the number of votes cast for each candidate. If the board finds evidence of fraud or legal violations during the count, they refer the matter to a county prosecuting attorney or the state attorney general.

The Board of State Canvassers can only refer a case to the attorney general if at least one member from each political party agrees. Investigators can act without stopping the recount. This separation keeps the vote count and legal investigations distinct.

Local and state boards handle the work. Each county has a bipartisan Board of Canvassers that certifies local results. They conduct recounts for county, city, township, village, and school district elections. They also handle probate judge races in single-county districts and municipal court judge elections.

The bipartisan Board of State Canvassers certifies statewide results. They are responsible for recounts in U.S. Senate, U.S. House, and state legislature races. They also handle most judicial elections and statewide ballot questions. State law gives these boards the authority to conduct the recount.

The process follows a strict schedule. In non-presidential elections, the recount must be finished by the 30th day after the petition deadline. The timeline ensures that results are finalized quickly, even in closely watched races.