Arlington Recount & Audit Request Guide

In Arlington, Virginia, candidates, parties, and eligible voters may seek a post-election recount or audit under state law and local procedures. This guide explains who to contact in Arlington, what the typical timelines and grounds are, how to file a request, and how appeals and reviews work. It summarizes official responsibilities, likely forms or notices, and practical action steps to move from filing a request to a resolution. Use the official contacts and code citations listed below when preparing filings or seeking enforcement.

Overview

Recounts and audits are governed primarily by the Commonwealth of Virginia election statutes and administered locally by the Arlington County Office of Voter Registration and Elections and the Arlington Electoral Board. The process differs depending on whether the request follows a close margin, a contested result, or an administrative audit of ballots and equipment.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of recount and audit rules typically falls to the Arlington Electoral Board, the General Registrar, and, where law is implicated, state officers under the Virginia Department of Elections. Monetary fines for recount-related violations are not specified on the cited page; statutory penalties for election offenses are set in the Virginia Code and may apply depending on the violation. View Virginia election law.^[1]

• Enforcer: Arlington Electoral Board and General Registrar; state enforcement via the Virginia Department of Elections and local Commonwealth's Attorney.
• Complaint pathway: contact the Arlington Office of Voter Registration and Elections or the Electoral Board for initial filing; see official contacts below. Arlington elections office.^[2]
• Appeals: statutory appeal routes to circuit court or specified election contest procedures; time limits are set by state statute or local rules and are not specified on the cited page.
• Fines/penalties: specific fine amounts for recount-related violations are not specified on the cited page; consult the Virginia Code for criminal penalties for election offenses.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to recount, impoundment of ballots or equipment, injunctions, or criminal charges where applicable.

Applications & Forms

The state statute describes the grounds and procedures for recounts; local forms or submission instructions are provided by the Arlington elections office when available. If a specific Arlington recount request form is required, it is published by the Office of Voter Registration and Elections; if not published, the procedure follows the Virginia Code and Electoral Board rules and is not specified on the cited page.

How to Request a Recount or Audit

Follow these core steps to initiate a recount or audit in Arlington, Virginia. Exact deadlines and methods of submission depend on the type of election and whether a statutory contest is required.

1. Confirm the applicable statute and deadline for the election type and margin; consult Virginia election law.^[1]
2. Contact the Arlington Office of Voter Registration and Elections or the Electoral Board to request the official form or filing instructions.^[2]
3. Prepare supporting documentation: affidavit, evidence of error or irregularity, and identification as required.
4. Pay any statutory fees if required by law or file any bond required by the court for contests (not specified on the cited page).
5. File the request with the proper office and serve required parties; follow up in writing and obtain receipt.

Common Violations & Typical Outcomes

• Failure to preserve ballots or chain-of-custody breaches — may result in orders to impound or investigate; penalties not specified on the cited page.
• Improper use or certification of voting equipment — may trigger an audit or decertification actions.
• Late or improperly filed contest paperwork — may be dismissed for procedural defects.

FAQ

Who can request a recount in Arlington?

Typically, a candidate, the candidate's authorized agent, or a voter with standing under Virginia law; check state statute and contact the Arlington Electoral Board to confirm.

How long do I have to request a recount?

Deadlines depend on the election type and are set by state statute or local rules; consult the Virginia Code and contact the Arlington elections office immediately to confirm timelines.

Is there a fee to request a recount?

Any fees or bond requirements are determined by statute or local rules; specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.

Where do I file a recount or audit request?

File with the Arlington Office of Voter Registration and Elections or the Arlington Electoral Board per the instructions on official pages.

How-To

1. Check the applicable Virginia statute for deadlines and grounds.
2. Call or email the Arlington Office of Voter Registration and Elections to request forms and submission instructions.
3. Assemble affidavits, evidence, and any required fees or bonds.
4. Submit the request in writing, obtain a receipt, and follow any scheduling orders from the Electoral Board or court.

Key Takeaways

• Act quickly: statutory windows for recounts and contests are short.
• Start with the Arlington Office of Voter Registration and Elections for local procedures and forms.
• State law controls core procedures; consult the Virginia Code when preparing filings.

Help and Support / Resources

• Arlington County Office of Voter Registration and Elections
• Arlington Electoral Board
• Virginia Department of Elections

1. [1] Virginia Code Title 24.2 - Elections
2. [2] Arlington County Office of Voter Registration and Elections