Request a Recount or Audit in Colorado Springs

Elections and Campaign Finance Colorado 4 Minutes Read · published February 08, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Colorado Springs, Colorado voters and candidates may request a recount or audit for municipal elections through the city and county election offices. Local recounts are administered under Colorado election law and coordinated with the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder; the City Clerk provides local election records and support. This guide explains who can request a review, where to submit requests, what to expect during the process, common enforcement issues, and practical action steps for candidates, voters, and campaign representatives.

A recount request usually starts with the county clerk even for city contests; verify submission details early.

Overview of Who Can Request a Recount or Audit

Eligible requesters typically include candidates, affected electors, or political parties with standing in the contested contest. The City Clerk maintains municipal election records and can advise on local procedures, but the county conducts the physical recount or audit for ballots cast in county-managed elections.[1]

How to File a Request

  • Identify the contest and gather evidence or grounds for the recount request.
  • Contact the City Clerk for municipal records and guidance on records access.[1]
  • Submit your formal request to the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder following county instructions; the county administers recounts and audits for ballots cast in the county.[2]
  • Meet any statutory deadlines that apply to recount requests under Colorado election law; confirm exact timing with the county or Secretary of State guidance.[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties, fines, or sanctions specifically tied to recount requests are governed by state statute and county rules when misconduct, tampering, or willful violation of election law is alleged. Exact fine amounts and escalation for willful violations are not specified on the cited municipal or county procedural pages and should be confirmed with the enforcing office or legal counsel.[2]

  • Enforcer: El Paso County Clerk and Recorder for administration and initial enforcement of recount procedures.
  • Appeals/review: Judicial review routes exist under Colorado election law; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited county or city pages and require reference to state statute or the Secretary of State guidance.[3]
  • Fees: Fees or deposits required to initiate a recount are not specified on the cited pages; contact the county clerk for exact fee schedules.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: Possible remedies include court orders, records inspection orders, and other judicially ordered remedies when misconduct is found; specifics are governed by statute or court order.
If you suspect tampering or criminal conduct, report immediately to the county clerk and law enforcement.

Applications & Forms

The county clerk usually provides instructions or a form to request a recount; as of the cited pages, a specific municipal "recount form" is not published on the City Clerk page and fee details are not specified on the county page. Confirm required documents and submission method with the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder.[2]

Practical Steps During a Recount or Audit

  • Prepare representatives to observe the recount according to county rules and any protective orders.
  • Gather original documents, chain-of-custody records, and any ballots or tabulation records you are legally allowed to access.
  • Attend hearings or meetings if the recount triggers board or judicial review.
Observers typically must follow county observer rules and remain non-disruptive.

FAQ

Who can request a recount in Colorado Springs?
Typically candidates or affected electors; the City Clerk can advise on standing and records access, and the El Paso County Clerk administers the recount.[1]
Where do I submit a recount request?
Submit the request to the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder following their instructions for recounts and audits.[2]
Are there fees or deadlines?
Fees, deposits, and statutory deadlines are governed by state law and county procedure; exact amounts and time limits are not specified on the cited pages—confirm with the county clerk or Secretary of State guidance.[2][3]
Can I inspect ballots or records during a recount?
Access is controlled by statute and county rules; the City Clerk and county clerk can explain what records are public and what requires a court order.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm your standing and the specific contest you want reviewed.
  2. Contact the City Clerk for municipal records and the El Paso County Clerk to learn the submission procedure and required documents.[1]
  3. Complete any county-provided request form and pay applicable fees if required by the county process.[2]
  4. Attend the recount or audit as an authorized observer and follow official procedures for challenges or evidence submission.
  5. If necessary, seek judicial review under Colorado election law within applicable time limits.

Key Takeaways

  • El Paso County administers recounts for ballots cast within the county; coordinate with both county and City Clerk offices.
  • Deadlines and fees are governed by state and county rules—confirm early, as specifics are not listed on the municipal guidance pages.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Colorado Springs - City Clerk, Elections
  2. [2] El Paso County Clerk and Recorder - Elections
  3. [3] Colorado Secretary of State - Recounts and Audits

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