Each state has different recount laws.
As we sit at home waiting for the final results, a few scenarios could occur in the next few days.
According to the National Conference of State Legislators, recounts happen in an election either when it's a close race between candidates or someone (typically the losing candidate) asks for a recount.
The laws for recounts vary between states, and about a handful of states don't even offer a recount process.
In some states, a recount can come about if the election results are within a certain margin, and recounts can also be part of an election contest ordered by a court. An election contest will happen if the losing candidate challenges the legality and validity of the results.
With Joe Biden winning Wisconsin over Donald Trump, the President asks for a recount in Wisconsin and is suing Pennsylvania and Michigan ahead of the final decision in these key battleground states, according to Washington (AP).
Forty- three states and the District of Columbia allow a losing candidate, voter, or group of voters to petition for a recount. In a few states, the vote totals must be within a specific margining order to request a recount.
Pennsylvania
As stated by the NCSL (National Conference of State Legislators), to trigger an automatic recount in Pennsylvania, there would need to be a 0.5% winning margin.
A week from Thursday, the recount has to be ordered by the secretary of state. By the end of the month, the recount would have begun and would need to be completed within six days.
A recount can only be requested in Pennsylvania if there is a petition signed by a specific number of registered voters.
In states like Wisconsin and Michigan, the rules to request a recount are different.
Wisconsin
Any recounts in Wisconsin must be completed in just 13 days from requesting the recount. Voters can request a recount in Wisconsin only on ballot questions, not candidate races.
Candidates can request a recount if they are behind their opponent by 40 votes if the total vote is 4,000 or less.
Michigan
In Michigan, a recount can be requested by a candidate if they have "specific allegations."
If the difference between candidates is 2,000 votes or less, an automatic recount will be triggered in Michigan.
The state party chair may request a recount if the Senate race is determined by 500 votes or fewer or if a state House race is determined by 200 votes or fewer.
Thursday night is the deadline to request a recount in Michigan.
Arizona
If the margin is within .1% of the total amount of votes, then a recount can happen in Arizona. There is no set deadline for a recount to be completed.
A recount cannot be requested, but it can be triggered according to state statutes.
Georgia
Candidates and state officials have to request recounts under certain conditions because Georgia does not automatically recount votes.
A candidate can request a recount if the margin of total votes is equal or lesser than 0.5% within two business days of results.
If there is a discrepancy or error, Georgia's secretary of state or an election official can request a recount.
Nevada
The state of Nevada will allow any defeated candidates in any election to request a recount.
A request to recount votes can happen no later than three business days after votes have been secured.
North Carolina
If the margin is within 1% of total votes casts and a county board of elections governs the races, candidates may request a recount.
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