<P> A manual or "hand" recount involves each individual physical representation of voter intent be reviewed for voter intent by one or more individuals . </P> <P> With DRE voting machines, a voter - verified paper audit trail (VVPAT) is examined from each voter . For some DREs that do not generate a VVPAT, images can be printed for each ballot cast and counted individually . </P> <P> Recounts can be mandatory or optional . In some jurisdictions, recounts are mandatory in the event the difference between the top two candidates is less than a percentage of votes cast or of a fixed number . Mandatory recounts are paid for by the elections official, or the state . Mandatory recounts can usually be waived by the apparent losing candidate . The winning side will usually encourage the loser to waive the recount in a show of unity and to avoid spending taxpayer money . </P> <P> Each jurisdiction has different criteria for optional recounts . Some areas permit recounts for any office or measure, while others require that the margin of victory be less than a certain percentage before a recount is allowed . In all instances, optional recounts are paid for by the candidate, their political party, or, in some instances, by any interested voter . The person paying for the recount has the option to stop the recount at any time . If the recount reverses the election, the jurisdiction will then pay for the recount . </P>

Who pays for a recount in an election
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