JULY 3, 2025 – A measure passed in the House on Monday, House Bill 86, seeks to establish uniform thresholds and procedures for conducting election recounts.
Generally, the bill would require a recount in cases where the margin of victory was less than 1% of the votes cast, doubling the existing recount trigger.
The bill also makes several other reforms, including eliminating the need for candidates or voters to request a recount.
After prevailing last September in a tight primary race where a recount was not required under state law, State Rep. Bryan Shupe (R-Milford South) pledged to sponsor legislation to broaden the scope of circumstances where recounts would be conducted to improve public faith in the results.
Rep. Shupe’s bill passed the House, 37-3. It is now pending action in the Senate Elections & Government Affairs. The measure will remain viable for action through the second half of the 153rd General Assembly next year.
IN PHOTO: State Rep. Shupe speaks with WBOC Reporter Tiffani Amber on June 30th at Legislative Hall.