Close outcomes in Wisconsin could trigger a recount. Here's how that works

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- It's possible that there could be calls for a recount on election night or the day after. Here's how that works.

Recount procedures

For elections where more than 4,000 votes were cast, a candidate may request a recount if he or she trails the leading candidate by no more than 1% of the total votes cast for the office.

How a recount is requested

In short, a candidate must request a recount by 5 p.m. after the third business day once the Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) determines the final results and finishes counting all the ballots.

The WEC website says, "A petition for recount must be filed not earlier than the completion of the canvass and not later than 5 p.m. on the 3rd business day following the last meeting day of the board of canvassers determining the result for the office/referendum. Wis. Stat. § 9.01(1)(a)1."

Who pays for the recount? Taxpayers vs. candidate

No fee is required if the difference between the leading candidate and the ballots cast for the petitioner is 0.25% or less. If the difference is greater than 0.25%, a filing fee is required by the candidate.

You can find more information from the Wisconsin Elections Commission below: