Some Iowa elections could be close. Here is how recounts work.

Flashback: Several major Iowa recounts have occurred in recent years.

• In 2020, a recount was called for Iowa's 2nd District, where U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks ended up winning by only six votes against Democrat Rita Hart.
• In 2022, recounts in two counties cemented a narrow victory for State Auditor Rob Sand, the only Democrat to win state office that year.

How it works: Any candidate may request a recount, but who pays for it depends on the margins, according to Iowa Code. A candidate may request a recount up to three days after the official vote tallies are conducted.

• If the margin of victory is 50 votes or 1% of the total number of votes cast, the state will cover recount costs.
• Otherwise, the candidate who requests the recount is responsible for the costs.

Yes, but: Those costs are refunded if the recount changes the outcome.

Details: Each county then designates a recount board made up of three members: one chosen by the apparent winner, one by the apparent loser and a third person agreed upon by both.

• The board decides to conduct the recount by hand or machine.