Fort Worth Recount Request Steps & Fees

Elections and Campaign Finance Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

Fort Worth, Texas voters and candidates may request a post-election recount under state and county procedures. This guide explains who files, the procedural steps to submit a recount request in Fort Worth, deadlines to watch, fee expectations, and where to get official forms and assistance from the City Secretary and the Tarrant County Elections Administrator. Municipal elections in Fort Worth are administered in coordination with county election officials, so follow local county instructions and Texas Secretary of State guidance when preparing a request. For contacts and current instructions consult the links to the City Secretary, Tarrant County Elections, and the Texas Secretary of State below.Fort Worth City Secretary - Elections[1]

Confirm the filing office and deadline before you prepare documents.

Penalties & Enforcement

Recount requests themselves are procedural; penalties and enforcement for misconduct, fraud, or interference are handled under Texas law and by county election authorities. Specific fine amounts and statutory penalties for election-related offenses are not specified on the cited municipal or county procedural pages. The primary enforcer for municipal election administration in Fort Worth is the Tarrant County Elections Administrator, and criminal enforcement is handled by county or state prosecutors when applicable. For official enforcement contacts and complaint submission, use the county election office contact below.Tarrant County Elections[2]

  • Enforcer: Tarrant County Elections Administrator and county prosecutors for criminal matters.
  • Appeals/review: election contests are typically handled through statutory contest procedures in court; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages.
  • Inspection and evidence: county officials retain and review ballots and records as part of recount procedures; contact county elections for records requests.
  • Common violations: tampering with ballots, obstructing election officials, submitting false documents; penalties vary and are governed by state law.
Penalties for willful interference may include criminal charges under state law.

Applications & Forms

There is no single Fort Worth municipal form published on the City Secretary page for a post-election recount; procedures generally refer filers to the county elections office and the Texas Secretary of State for statutory guidance. The Texas Secretary of State provides statewide election procedures and may reference contest and recount processes, but a local recount request form or fee schedule is not specified on the cited pages. Contact Tarrant County Elections to confirm whether a written petition form, affidavit, or fee is required for a municipal recount in Fort Worth.Texas Secretary of State - Elections[3]

If a fee is required, pay it only to the office the county or city specifies in writing.

How-To

  1. Confirm jurisdiction and time limits: contact the Fort Worth City Secretary and Tarrant County Elections to confirm who accepts recount requests and the filing deadline.
  2. Assemble documentation: prepare a written request stating the race, precincts, and grounds for recount; include identifying information for the requester (candidate or voter).
  3. Submit the request: deliver the request to the office designated by county or city officials (in person, by mail, or as specified by that office).
  4. Pay fees if required: confirm any required fee with the county election office before payment; the exact fee amount is not specified on the cited pages.
  5. Await county response: county election officials will respond with instructions, scheduling, or instructions to seek a statutory contest if applicable.
  6. Appeal or contest: if you dispute the outcome after recount procedures, follow statutory election contest procedures in court; precise deadlines should be confirmed with county officials and the Secretary of State guidance.

FAQ

Who can file a post-election recount request?
Contact the Tarrant County Elections office to confirm eligibility; the City of Fort Worth refers recount administration to county officials.[2]
How long do I have to file a recount request?
Deadlines depend on the race and local procedures; confirm the exact filing deadline with Tarrant County Elections or the City Secretary as soon as results are certified.[2]
How much does a recount cost?
Any required fee is determined by the accepting office; a specific statewide or municipal fee schedule is not specified on the cited pages—contact the county elections office for fee information.[2]

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm filing deadlines with county or city officials immediately after certification.
  • Submit requests to the office designated by Tarrant County Elections or the City Secretary.
  • Forms and fee amounts are set by the accepting office; check official county or state guidance.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Fort Worth - City Secretary, Elections
  2. [2] Tarrant County - Elections
  3. [3] Texas Secretary of State - Elections

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