Ontario, CA: Recount & Post-Election Audit Guide

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of California

This guide explains how to request a recount or a post-election audit for elections affecting Ontario, California. Municipal elections in Ontario are administered in coordination with the City Clerk and the county elections office; candidates, voters, and city officials should start with the City Clerk for local information and with the county registrar for ballot-level procedures. For statewide audit policies and statutory background, consult the California Secretary of State’s audit resources.City Clerk - Elections[1] San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters[2] California Secretary of State - Elections[3]

Begin early: deadlines matter for recounts and contests.

Who can request a recount or audit

Eligible requesters typically include candidates for the office in question and, in some circumstances, a specified number of registered voters. The City Clerk and the county registrar administer local filing and procedural intake; check the City Clerk for city-specific filing steps and the county registrar for ballot-level handling.[1][2]

How to file a request

  • Prepare a written request stating the election, office or measure, and the grounds for the recount or audit.
  • File with the City Clerk for city-managed intake or directly with the county registrar if the county administers the election.
  • Be prepared to post any required bond or fee if statutes or county rules require it; check the county registrar’s instructions.
  • Confirm receipt and get a written timeline from the filing office.
Some recounts are automated by county procedures while others require a formal request and possible fee.

Penalties & Enforcement

The official pages cited do not list monetary fines specific to filing or improperly requesting a recount; where the law specifies penalties or fee amounts, the county registrar or the Secretary of State page will show them. If a related bylaw or abuse provision applies, the enforcing authority is typically the county registrar, the City Clerk (for city administrative rules), or courts for election contests.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, court actions, or injunctive relief may apply; specifics are not listed on the cited pages.
  • Enforcer and intake: City Clerk for city administrative matters; San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters for ballot handling and recount execution.[1][2]
  • Appeal/review routes: election contests are typically resolved through the courts under state election law; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

The City Clerk or county registrar may publish a form titled or described as a "request for recount" or similar; however, a specific form name or number is not published on the cited city or county pages. Contact the City Clerk or San Bernardino County Registrar for the current form and any filing fee information.[1][2]

Practical steps after filing

  • Get written confirmation with the expected schedule for the recount or audit.
  • Preserve ballots and evidence; do not tamper with any materials until the recount/audit is complete.
  • Coordinate inspections or observers per the county registrar’s rules.
Objections and documentation are more persuasive if filed promptly and in writing.

How-To

  1. Contact the City Clerk’s office to confirm whether the election is city-administered and to learn the local filing procedure.
  2. Obtain and complete any required request or affidavit form from the City Clerk or county registrar.
  3. Submit the request in person or by the method the Clerk or registrar requires, and pay any required fee or bond.
  4. Receive written confirmation and follow the registrar’s instructions for observers, chain-of-custody, and timelines.

FAQ

Who pays for a recount?
Costs may be borne by the requester, the jurisdiction, or apportioned per local rules; the cited pages do not specify exact fee responsibility.
How long does a recount take?
Timing depends on the scope of the recount and the county schedule; specific durations are not listed on the cited pages.
Can I observe the recount?
Counties generally allow observers under rules set by the registrar; contact the San Bernardino County Registrar for observer procedures.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City Clerk to confirm whether the City or the county administers the specific election.
  • Contact the San Bernardino County Registrar for ballot-level procedures and any fees or bonds.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Ontario - City Clerk, Elections
  2. [2] San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters
  3. [3] California Secretary of State - Elections

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