If by this time tomorrow the margin between the two candidates is less than 2,000 votes there will be an automatic recount paid for by the state.
Here are Q & A from the SOS site re recounts (note if the vote difference is <150 - there will be a HAND recount:
Q: What are the requirements for a mandatory recount in the state of Washington ?
Washington law authorizes a mandatory machine recount if the election returns are within one half of one percent of all votes cast for the office and 2,000 votes.
In the case of the Governor’s race, the key requirement is the 2,000 votes.
If the final returns from the counties report the Governor’s race to be within 2,000 votes, a mandatory recount will be conducted.
Q: When would the recount occur?
The counties are required to certify election returns to the Secretary of State 15 days after the general election. This year, that date is November 17, 2004 .
Within three business days of the counties certifying returns, state law requires the Secretary of State to issue a directive for a recount if the returns are within the recount range.
Before beginning a recount, the counties are required to provide 2 days advance notice to the candidates and political parties of the time and place of the recount.
Counties are required to begin recounting within 3 business days of the Secretary’s directive.
In the current Governor’s race, the Secretary of State anticipates issuing a recount order on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 .
Q: How long does it take to conduct the recount?
Most counties can recount all ballots in one day. Some counties may take two days. King County will need approximately four days to recount all ballots.
If the recount were ordered on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 , King County would most likely begin recounting on Saturday, November 20, 2004 and all other counties would begin on Monday, November 22, 2004 .
Under this timeframe, all counties should be completed with the recount by Wednesday, November 24, 2004 , the day before Thanksgiving.
The Secretary of State is required to certify the election returns 30 days after the general election. This year that date falls on December 2, 2004 .
Q: What are the requirements for a machine versus hand recount?
A machine recount will occur if the election results for the top two candidates are separated by more than 150 votes and less than 2,000 votes.
A manual recount will occur if the difference between the top two candidates is less than one-quarter of one percent and the two are separated by 150 votes or fewer.
State law authorizes the top two candidates to negotiate an alternative to a manual recount procedure if the race is separated by 150 votes or fewer.