Recount Procedure & Fees in Denver, Colorado

Elections and Campaign Finance Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

Introduction

In Denver, Colorado, recounts for local and municipal elections are handled under the authority of the City and County of Denver elections process and applicable Colorado election law. This guide explains who can request a recount, how to submit a request, what fees or forms may apply, enforcement and appeal routes, and where to find the official sources you must use to act. Use the official Denver Elections Division and Colorado Secretary of State resources linked below to confirm deadlines and to obtain any required forms before filing.

Penalties & Enforcement

The Denver Elections Division administers recount procedures for Denver contests; broader procedural rules and statutory remedies are set by Colorado election law. Specific monetary fines or fee schedules for recount requests are not specified on the cited pages; see the official pages for the authoritative statement and any updated figures.[1][2]

  • Time limits for requesting a recount: not specified on the cited page; check the linked official resources for exact post-certification deadlines.[1]
  • Fees and deposits: not specified on the cited page; the Denver Elections Division and Colorado Secretary of State provide current fee information or instructions where required.[1]
  • Enforcer and investigator: Denver Elections Division and the Denver Clerk and Recorder oversee local recount operations and chain-of-custody; criminal misconduct would be referred to the appropriate prosecuting authority per Colorado law.
  • Appeals and review: contest and appeal procedures are governed by state and local rules; specific statutory appeal time limits are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed on the official pages cited below.[2]
  • Common violations relevant to recounts: mishandling ballots, broken chain of custody, or unauthorized access to ballots; specific penalties or fine amounts are not listed on the cited Denver pages.
Recount fee amounts and exact deadlines are set by official election rules and may change; confirm on the official pages before filing.

Applications & Forms

The Denver Elections Division publishes instructions for filing election challenges and recount requests; however, a named city form or form number for recount requests is not shown on the Denver pages cited here. If a state-level petition form or fee is required, the Colorado Secretary of State resource should be used for guidance and may list forms or filing templates.[1][2]

How a Recount Works

Typical steps in Denver recounts include filing a written request, paying any required fee or deposit where prescribed, scheduling the recount with election officials, and conducting a supervised manual or machine recount with observers allowed under the rules. Exact procedures, observer rules, and timing are published by Denver Elections or the Colorado Secretary of State; consult those pages for the current requirements.[1]

Contact Denver Elections early to confirm filing windows and required documentation.

Action Steps

  • Locate the Denver Elections recount instructions and any local forms; follow filing directions exactly.[1]
  • If a fee is required, prepare to pay by the methods the office accepts; confirm amount on the official page before submitting.
  • Contact the Denver Elections Division to schedule or clarify procedural questions.
  • Gather evidence, chain-of-custody records, and observer credentials to bring to the recount.

FAQ

Who can request a recount?
Any candidate or a designated party with standing as specified by election rules may request a recount; confirm eligibility and any required affidavits with Denver Elections.[1]
How long after certification can I request a recount?
Specific post-certification time limits are not specified on the cited Denver pages; check the Denver Elections and Colorado Secretary of State pages for the current statutory windows.[1][2]
Are there official forms and fees for a recount?
The Denver pages do not display a named city form number for recounts; fee amounts or deposit rules are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed on the official resources before filing.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm whether the contest is eligible for a recount by reviewing the Denver Elections guidance and any controlling state statute.[1]
  2. Prepare a written recount request and any required affidavits or documentation specified by the office.
  3. Pay any fee or deposit required where prescribed; if none are listed on the Denver page, confirm with the office before filing.[1]
  4. Submit the request to Denver Elections by the required method (in-person, mail, or other) and retain proof of filing.
  5. Attend the scheduled recount, observe procedures, and if needed pursue statutory contest/appeal routes after the recount concludes.
File promptly and follow the office instructions precisely to preserve appeal rights.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Denver Elections Division for local instructions and contact the office before filing.
  • Deadlines and fees are specified by official rules; confirm them on the official pages linked below.
  • Appeals and contests follow statutory procedures; preserve records and proof of filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City and County of Denver Elections Division - Recounts and Election Guidance
  2. [2] Colorado Secretary of State - Elections and Recount Information

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