Mandatory recount of votes; provide for in certain situations.

HB 1026 would require Mississippi election officials (like the Secretary of State or local clerks) to conduct a mandatory manual recount of all votes in any election where the margin between the top two candidates or for a ballot question is 250 votes or less, or 1% of total votes cast (whichever is greater). The recount must be completed within 72 hours of election day and performed manually if voting machines were used. The bill prohibits charging candidates for these recounts and allows candidates to observe the process, while clarifying recounts under this law don't count as election contests. This bill died in committee on February 3, 2026, and was never enacted.