What Happens if There's a Georgia Recount?
Razor-thin margins in the critical battleground state could point to a recount.


All eyes are on Georgia Friday morning as Joe Biden takes a small yet hugely consequential lead in the battleground state of Georgia, a state Donald Trump seized in 2016 and that hasn't voted blue since the election of Bill Clinton in 1992. While no official recount request has been made (according to state law, one cannot be made until after the result is certified), the slight margin is ripe for a recount request. Trump has already announced his plan to ask for a recount in Wisconsin and it's likely that we'll see recounts in other key states, including Michigan and, yes, Georgia.
Here's what would happen if there was a recount in the Peach State:
Is there an automatic recount rule in Georgia?
No, there is no automatic recount rule in Georgia.
Can a candidate request one?
Yes. If the margin is less than or equal to .5 percent of total votes cast, a candidate can request an official full recount. The request must be made within two business days after the final tally of votes is certified (the deadline for certification is November 17, so it’s possible we won’t even see a recount until then).
Can anyone else request one?
Actually, yes. Recounts can also be requested at this discretion of election superintendents, regardless of the lead margin, if they believe there has been a discrepancy or error in the counting. Voters can also ask for a recount if they believe fraud took place.
How long would a recount take?
It’s hard to say—in Georgia, there is no deadline for recount completion.
Who would pay for it?
The state covers all recount costs.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
What now?
Georgia has long been at the center of conversation about voter suppression tactics. For years, organizations like Stacey Abrams' Fair Fight have been working tirelessly to protect people's right to vote and make sure every vote is counted in Georgia and across the country. That hard work is paying off in this election; it's up to us to keep the positive momentum moving forward.
Megan DiTrolio is the editor of features and special projects at Marie Claire, where she oversees all career coverage and writes and edits stories on women’s issues, politics, cultural trends, and more. In addition to editing feature stories, she programs Marie Claire’s annual Power Trip conference and Marie Claire’s Getting Down To Business Instagram Live franchise.
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the Present
In its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Kendall Jenner Has the Last Word on the Best Travel Shoes
Leave your ballet flats in your checked bag.
By Halie LeSavage
-
Prince Harry Gave Nephew Prince Louis an Extremely Rare Five-Figure Gift for His Christening
Uncle Harry for the gifting win.
By Kristin Contino
-
Who is Susie Wiles? President-Elect Donald Trump Names His White House Chief of Staff
The political consultant helped the former president run his successful 2024 campaign.
By Danielle Campoamor
-
A Nationwide Reaction to the 2024 Election
How are people feeling in this moment? Marie Claire spoke to folks across the country to find out what they were thinking as they cast their votes and waited to hear the results.
By The Editors
-
The Historic Election Victories Worth Celebrating
Including momentous firsts, abortion protections, and New York's "Equal Rights Amendment."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kamala Harris Has Lost the 2024 Presidential Election
It's official.
By Jenny Hollander
-
Donald Trump Is Ordered to Pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages
Carroll had filed two defamation suits against the former president.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
E. Jean Carroll Triumphs Over Donald Trump In Civil Suit
A jury found him liable for sexual abuse and defamation.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
What's the Holdup in Biden's Push for Paid Leave?
The president is proposing $325 billion to fund paid family leave—the strongest budget proposal in history—and pushing for free universal pre-K nationwide. But he faces opposition.
By Dawn Huckelbridge
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
Features It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger