# Election Law (GEL)

## Title 12. Contested Elections

### Subtitle 1. Recounts

#### Section 12-107

(a) In this section, "petitioner" includes a counterpetitioner.

(b)

  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, each petitioner shall pay the cost of a recount requested under this subtitle and the petitioner's bond is liable for the cost.

  (2) The petitioner is not liable for the costs of the recount if:

    (i) the outcome of the election is changed;

    (ii) the petitioner has gained a number of votes, for the petitioner's candidacy or for or against the question that is the subject of the petition, equal to 2% or more of the total votes cast for the office or on the question, in all precincts being recounted; or

    (iii)

      (1) the margin of difference in the number of votes received by an apparent winner and the losing candidate with the highest number of votes for an office is 0.25% or less of the total votes cast for those candidates; or

      (2) in the case of a question, the margin of difference between the number of votes cast for and the number cast against the question is 0.25% or less.

(c) If the petitioner is not liable for the costs of the recount as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a county shall pay the costs of the recount in that county.

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Md. Code Ann., Election Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)