Fontana Election Recount and Audit Process

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

Fontana, California voters and candidates may encounter recounts or post-election audits after local or state contests. Local regular elections for Fontana are administered by the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters; procedures for requesting recounts, canvass timelines, and post-election reviews follow California law and county rules.[1] This guide summarizes who handles recounts and audits, typical steps to request or prepare for them, appeal paths, and where to find official forms and contacts.

Overview of the Process

After votes are tallied on election night, counties complete a formal canvass and certify results. Post-election audit activity may include manual tallies, risk-limiting audits or routine checks required by the Secretary of State and county procedures. Timelines for recount requests vary by the type of contest and are governed by California Elections Code and county rules.[2]

Contact the Registrar early to confirm deadlines and required steps.

Who’s Responsible

  • San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters - administers ballots, canvass, recount requests, and post-election audits for Fontana contests.
  • City of Fontana City Clerk - local point of contact for candidate filings and inquiries about city contests and certification.
  • California Secretary of State - provides statewide guidance, audit frameworks, and statutory references.

Typical Steps to Request a Recount

  1. Confirm the certification status and deadlines immediately after canvass results are posted.
  2. Contact the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters to request the recount procedure and any required written request or petition.
  3. Determine fees or bonds required by county rules for a recount; counties may require deposit or payment for recount costs.
  4. Arrange observation, evidence preservation, and chain-of-custody for ballots; follow county instructions for observers and challenges.
  5. If dissatisfied, pursue judicial contest procedures under the Elections Code or seek administrative remedies per county guidance.

Penalties & Enforcement

Specific fines or monetary penalties for mishandling recounts or violating recount procedures are not specified on the cited county or Secretary of State pages; see the cited sources for applicable statutes and enforcement mechanisms.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat or continuing offences and ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, court contests, or injunctions are possible remedies under state law; specific local sanctions are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters for election administration issues; the courts handle formal election contests and related relief.
  • Appeals/review: judicial election contests in superior court and statutory timelines under California Elections Code apply; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: procedural errors, demonstrated chain-of-custody compliance, and valid permits or certifications may affect outcomes; consult official county guidance.
If you believe ballots were mishandled, document facts immediately and notify the Registrar.

Applications & Forms

The County Registrar publishes instructions for requesting recounts and any required petitions or fee schedules; Fontana does not publish a separate city recount form. For forms and submission methods, contact the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters or check the Secretary of State guidance.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm certification: verify the election canvass and certification dates with the county.
  2. Request procedure: call or email the Registrar to obtain the official recount request steps and any forms.
  3. Submit request: file any written petition or form within the county deadline and pay required fees or deposits.
  4. Observe and document: follow county rules to observe the recount, retain copies of relevant records, and note any irregularities.
  5. Appeal if needed: if results remain disputed, consult counsel and consider a timely superior court election contest per the Elections Code.

FAQ

Who runs recounts for Fontana elections?
The San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters administers recounts and post-election audits for Fontana contests; contact the Registrar for procedures and deadlines.[1]
How long do I have to request a recount?
Deadlines vary by contest and are set by California Elections Code and county rules; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page, so contact the Registrar immediately.[2]
Are there fees to request a recount?
Counties may require fees or deposits to cover recount costs; the exact amounts are not specified on the cited page—check the Registrar's official instructions.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Act quickly: certification and contest deadlines are time-sensitive.
  • Registrar is primary contact: San Bernardino County oversees Fontana elections.
  • Official forms and fees come from the county; Fontana does not issue a separate recount form.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters - official elections page
  2. [2] California Secretary of State - Elections

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data