Less than or equal to 1%

Vote count difference (not percentage based)

Initiated by request

Candidates and voters may petition for a taxpayer-funded recount when a close-vote margin exists.

For candidates in primary and general elections:

No bond is required when the difference between the candidates or nominees for the office is less than fifty votes or one percent of the total number of votes cast, whichever is greater. Iowa Code § 50.48(2)(a) and Iowa Code § 43.56(2).

For ballot measures:

“If the difference between the affirmative and negative votes cast on the public measure is less than the greater of fifty votes or one percent of the total number of votes cast for and against the question, a bond is not required. If approval by sixty percent of the votes cast is required for adoption of the public measure, no bond is required if the difference between sixty percent of the total votes cast for and against the question and the number of affirmative votes cast is less than the greater of fifty votes or one percent of the total number of votes cast.” Iowa Code § 50.49(4).

Timing: For candidates, see Iowa Code § 50.48(1)(a), (7) & (8) and Iowa Code § 43.56. For ballot measures, see Iowa Code § 50.49.