Recount and Post-Election Audit Procedures - Portland

Portland, Oregon voters and candidates may ask for a recount or seek information about post-election audits after city contests are certified. This guide explains who administers recounts and audits for Portland city races, required steps to request review, common timelines, and where to find official forms. It summarizes enforcement, appeals, typical fees or lack of fees where official pages do not specify them, and concrete next steps you can use to start a request or report concerns.

Overview: Who administers recounts and audits

City elections in Portland are administered by the City Auditor's Elections Division; Multnomah County conducts ballot processing and canvass for county-administered services, while the Oregon Secretary of State sets statewide rules for recounts and post-election audits. City Auditor - Elections^[1] Multnomah County Elections - Recounts^[2] Oregon Secretary of State - Recounts & Audits^[3]

When to consider a recount or post-election audit

• Close margins or machine discrepancies within certified results.
• Suspected tabulation or chain-of-custody errors during canvass.
• Formal challenges by a candidate or ballot measure proponent seeking verification.

Penalties & Enforcement

Penalties directly tied to requesting a recount or audit are generally procedural rather than criminal; specific monetary fines for improper requests or sanctions tied to recount procedures are not consistently posted on the cited city or county pages. Where statutory penalties or administrative fines apply, the controlling instrument is state law and local election rules. If a party files a frivolous or obstructive challenge, remedies may include court orders and costs, but exact fines or fee schedules are not specified on the cited pages.

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages for city recount requests.
• Escalation: first versus repeat or continuing offences and fee ranges are not specified on the cited pages.
• Non-monetary sanctions: possible court orders, dismissal of improper petitions, or costs awards; specifics not specified on the cited pages.
• Enforcer: City Auditor's Elections Division and Multnomah County Elections administer procedures; the Oregon Secretary of State provides statewide rules and oversight.
• Inspection & complaint pathways: contact the City Auditor's Elections Division or Multnomah County Elections to report issues or submit formal requests.
• Appeals/review: contested actions may be taken to court; specific statutory time limits for filing appeals or requests are governed by state law and are not specified on the cited pages.

Applications & Forms

Forms and submission methods vary by office:

• City Auditor election forms: see the City Auditor's Elections Division page for guidance and any city-specific forms.
• Multnomah County recount request forms and instructions: the county posts procedures and contact details for filing recount requests and related documentation.
• State-level guidance and standards for audits and recounts: Oregon Secretary of State provides statutes and procedural descriptions; fee and deadline details may be on statute pages rather than summary pages.

How to request a recount or audit (action steps)

1. Confirm which office administered the contest (City Auditor's Elections Division vs. Multnomah County) and the certification date for the contest.
2. Obtain the official recount or audit request form from the administering office's website or by phone.
3. Prepare supporting evidence describing the basis for the recount or audit (margin details, observed irregularities, chain-of-custody concerns).
4. Confirm any filing fees and payment method with the administering office; if the cited pages do not list fees, contact the office directly.
5. File the request in the required form and method (in person, by certified mail, or by email) and obtain written confirmation of receipt.
6. If denied, review appeal routes with the office and consider judicial review under state law.

FAQ

Who decides whether a recount or audit will be performed?

Decisions follow state and local rules; the administering elections office (City Auditor's Elections Division or Multnomah County Elections) processes requests and applies statutory standards.

How long do I have to request a recount?

Time limits are set by state law and local rules; exact deadlines are not specified on the cited summary pages and must be confirmed with the administering office.

Are there fees to request a recount?

Fees may apply in some circumstances; specific amounts are not specified on the cited pages and should be confirmed with the administering office before filing.

How-To

1. Identify the administering office for your contest and locate the official request form on that office's website.
2. Complete the form with a clear statement of grounds and attach any evidence.
3. Submit the form by the method required and obtain written receipt.
4. Follow any instructions for fees, ballots handling, or court filing if an appeal is needed.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the City Auditor's Elections Division or Multnomah County Elections depending on who ran the contest.
• Deadlines and fees are governed by statute and office rules; verify them directly with the administering office.
• Keep written records of all filings and communications for potential appeals.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Portland Auditor - Elections
• Multnomah County Elections
• Oregon Secretary of State - Recounts & Audits

1. [1] City of Portland Auditor - Elections
2. [2] Multnomah County Elections - Recounts
3. [3] Oregon Secretary of State - Recounts & Audits