Virginia requires periodic pre-certification risk-limiting audits. Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.2(A). The only exception to this requirement is if the unofficial margin of victory in a contested race is one percent or less, in which case an ostensibly defeated candidate could appeal to the State Board of Elections for a recount. Va. Code Ann. §§ 24.2-671.2(E), 800(B).
These Risk-limiting audits must be conducted “prior to the certification of election results,” Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.2(A), and certification must be completed no later than “seven calendar days” from the election, Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.
The operation of these audits is outlined in statute and regulation. The State Board is then responsible for prescribing the procedures for these audits. Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.2(B). Then, the audits are performed at the local level, by the Electoral Board and General Registrar of each county or independent city “under the supervision of the Department of Election.” Va. Code Ann. § 24.2-671.2(B).
What follows is the “when, what, who, and how” of these audits in Virginia. For more information about risk-limiting audits, in general, check out our Explainer.
Read about risk-limiting audit methods here: