Tight Senate races could hinge on recount laws

With U.S. Senate races in Virginia and North Carolina in or near a dead heat, the possibility of recounts loom.

In situations in Virginia where the difference between the number of votes cast for the winner and loser is less than 1%, the losing candidate may appeal for a recount, according to the Virginia Secretary of State.

The candidate may only do this after the release of the certified election results, according to the state agency.

For federal office, the appeal should be filed in the circuit court of the city or county where the candidate being challenged lives, according to the Secretary of State.

The losing candidate may ask that the ballots be recounted or that the result be redetermined, according to Ballotpedia.

In North Carolina, a second-place candidate may request a recount if the ballot margin is less than .5% or 10,000 votes, National Journal reports.

The request must be made in writing by noon the second Wednesday after the election, according to Ballotpedia.