Why a Recount of the 2024 Presidential Election Results Is Unlikely

Vice President Kamala Harris has conceded the 2024 presidential election, setting the stage for President-elect Donald Trump to start his second term as the 47th U.S. president in January.

Leading up to Tuesday, the 2024 race was touted to be one of the closest in United States history. As of Wednesday evening, Trump had flipped four states—Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin—that were considered crucial in determining the next federal administration. All four were won by Biden in 2020, some by incredibly slim margins.

Trump also won North Carolina late Tuesday, another critical swing state he won in 2020 and 2016. As of Wednesday evening, votes are still being counted in Arizona and Nevada.

Some have speculated whether the final count of the 2024 presidential election could warrant a recount. In 2020, a handful of counties in swing states like Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin recounted their ballots following calls from the Trump campaign. Some states also have laws that enact an automatic if the margin between two candidates is close enough.

Harris Concedes Race in Emotional Speech

Harris called Trump on Wednesday and vowed to work alongside President Joe Biden to ensure a smooth transition of power. She also spoke to supporters at her alma mater, Howard University, in Washington, D.C., where she said she was “full of gratitude.”

“I know many people feel like we’re entering a dark time,” Harris said. “But for the benefit of us all, I hope that’s not the case.”

“My heart is full today, full of gratitude,” she added. “Hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright.”

Several in attendance were seen watching Harris speak with tearful eyes, including her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and her husband, second gentleman Doug Emhoff.

“We will never give up the fight for our democracy, the rule of law, of the rule of justice and the sacred idea that every one of us, no matter who we are or where we start out, have certain fundamental rights and freedoms that must be upheld,” Harris said. “We will continue to wage this fight.”

How Close Does the Presidential Election Have to Be for a Recount?

Laws regarding election recounts vary by state. According to the Associated Press (AP) and National Conference of State Legislatures, 25 states and the District of Columbia have laws that trigger automatic recounts if an election is close. For example, if the margin between two candidates is less than 0.5 percent or 1,000 votes, a recount is automatically triggered in Delaware.

Could Harris Technically Call for a Recount?

Again, the law varies by state. Even if a state does not have laws enacting an automatic recount in a close election, candidates may be able to request one if the margin meets a certain threshold.

Below is a list of the recount laws in the 2024 swing states:

• Arizona: A recount is automatically triggered if the margin between candidates is 0.5 percent or less of the overall vote. Candidates and parties are not able to request a recount.
• Georgia: State law allows a candidate to request a recount within two days of an election result being certified if the margin is less than 0.5 percent of the overall vote. Election officials can also request a recount if they believe there was an issue with the results.
• Michigan: An automatic recount is issued if the margin between the two candidates is 2,000 votes or less. A candidate can also petition for a recount if they meet a handful of requirements under state law. A petition for a recount must be filed within 48 hours after votes are counted.
• Nevada: A recount must be requested by a presidential elector, not a candidate, within 13 days after an election. The elector who makes the request must also deposit the estimated cost up front.
• North Carolina: State law allows candidates to request a recount if the margin is less than 0.5 percent of the overall vote or under 10,000 votes. The candidate must make the request by the second day after the county canvassing vote. According to ABC News, it would be November 19 this year.
• Pennsylvania: An automatic recount is triggered if the margin between two candidates is under 0.5 percent. That recount must begin by the third Wednesday after Election Day and finish by the following Tuesday. This year, a recount must start by November 20.
• Wisconsin: The state does not have laws triggering an automatic recount, but a candidate can demand one if the margin is less than 1 percent of the total votes. If a candidate requests a recount and the margin is 0.25 percent of the votes or less, the state will pay for it. If the margin is larger, the candidate who requests the recount must pay.

How Close Does the Presidential Election Have to Be for a Recount?

In the 2024 race, Harris’ clearest path to victory was to secure the three “Blue Wall” states that were considered battleground contests this year: Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. As of Wednesday evening, Trump has secured five out of the seven swing states called. He also leads in Arizona and Nevada.

It is unlikely that Harris will call for a recount at this point. As of Wednesday, per AP, she was losing to Trump by 0.9 percent of the total votes cast in Wisconsin (49.7 percent to 48.8 percent). Over 95 percent of the ballots had been counted at the time of publication.

In Pennsylvania, with over 95 percent of the votes counted, Harris trails Trump by 1 percent, 50 to 49. Candidates cannot request a recount in the state, but can make appeals to specific counties, which could result in one.

When Will Election Results Be Certified?

The results of the 2024 presidential election will be certified by Congress on January 6. Under the Constitution, the vice president, which is Harris, will declare results of the White House election as part of her role as president of the Senate.

The vice president’s vote-tallying procedure to certify the presidential results is typically a formality, although in late 2020 and early 2021, the process was under much more scrutiny, with Trump and his allies pushing for then-Vice President Mike Pence to reject the results of the Electoral College.

Update 11/06/24, 7:30 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.