Do campaign-finance rules apply to post-election expenses for recounts?
By Esther Honig
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YES
A state election recount can cost millions of dollars, which is why candidates often seek supporters' donations to pay for them. Officially, they cannot use this earmarked money for other purposes. The Federal Election Commission regulates recount fund donations, setting contribution limits and reporting requirements, and ensuring the money is used for relevant expenses like vote-counter compensation and post-election litigation.
In 23 of the 43 states which allow a candidate to request a recount, the candidate must pay for it. In 12 states, the candidate must pay if the margins are deemed too wide to justify a recount.
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