Recount or Audit in Chicago: Process & Fees
In Chicago, Illinois, candidates and voters who believe an election result is incorrect can pursue a recount or post-election audit through the official election authorities. This page summarizes who is responsible, how to start a request, typical steps, and where to find official forms and contacts for Chicago elections. For municipal contests the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners administers local procedures; state rules may also apply for contested results.Official Chicago Board of Election Commissioners[1]
Overview of Recounts and Audits
Recounts and audits serve different purposes: a recount retabulates ballots for a particular contest to confirm the numeric outcome, while an audit examines processes, equipment, or procedural compliance. Eligibility, timing, and the body that conducts the action depend on whether the contest is municipal, county, or state-level. For statewide guidance and statutory procedures consult the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Illinois Election Code.Illinois State Board of Elections[2]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement and sanctions for improper conduct during or after an election are handled under applicable election statutes and by election authorities. Specific monetary fines and penalty amounts for violations related to recounts or tampering are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed in the controlling statutes or by the enforcing office. Remedies and enforcement tools commonly include orders to correct procedures, court actions, injunctive relief, and criminal referral where unlawful interference is alleged.
- Enforcer: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners for city contests; Illinois State Board of Elections or county election authorities for other contests.
- Inspection & investigations: formal review by election staff and, if necessary, referral to county/state prosecutors.
- Fines/penalties: not specified on the cited page; check controlling statute or contact the enforcing office.
- Appeals & review: contests and appeals are generally handled through statutorily defined election-contest procedures or by filing in court; specific deadlines are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
Required forms and filing steps vary by contest and jurisdiction. The Chicago Board of Election Commissioners and the Illinois State Board of Elections publish guidance and may provide forms for recount petitions or contests; if a named form is required, it will be available through those authorities. If no city form is published, the applicable petition or court filing is used as set out by statute or board rules.
How to Request a Recount or Audit
The following summarizes practical steps to request a recount or audit for a Chicago contest. Confirm exact forms, fees, and deadlines with the administering office before filing.
- Determine eligibility and jurisdiction for the contest (city, county, or state).
- Locate and complete any official petition or request form from the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners or appropriate county office.
- Pay any required filing fee or post bond if required by statute or board rule; specific fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages.
- Submit the petition to the administering authority and request confirmation of receipt and next steps.
- If the matter is contested, follow statutory contest procedures and be prepared for possible court involvement.
Common Violations and Typical Outcomes
- Ballot chain-of-custody breaches — may trigger audit or court inquiry.
- Improper equipment handling or tabulation errors — can lead to recount or equipment review.
- Failure to comply with recount procedures — could result in denial of the request or sanctions as provided by law.
FAQ
- Who can request a recount?
- Typically the candidate of record, a political party, or an eligible voter as defined by statute or board rule; check the administering authority for precise standing rules.
- How soon must a recount be requested?
- Deadlines vary by jurisdiction and contest; they are set by statute or board rule and are not specified on the cited pages—confirm with the administering office.
- Are recounts public?
- Procedures differ; some recounts and audits are observable by parties and their representatives while others follow controlled inspection rules set by the authority conducting the review.
How-To
- Identify whether the contest is city, county, or state level and the proper administering authority.
- Obtain the official petition or request instructions from the administering authority's website or office.
- Prepare and submit the petition, plus any required fee or bond, within the statutory deadline.
- Coordinate with election officials about logistics, observation rights, and the timeline for the recount or audit.
- If dissatisfied with the result, follow contest or appeal procedures set out by statute or seek judicial review where permitted.
Key Takeaways
- Act quickly: statutory deadlines are strict and may be short.
- Use official forms and follow the administering authority's instructions exactly.
- Contact election officials early to confirm fees, forms, and observation rules.
Help and Support / Resources
- Chicago Board of Election Commissioners - official site
- Illinois State Board of Elections - official site