Vote 2006: What's Next for Virginia

Nov. 8, 2006 — -- The Senate race in Virginia is too close to call. Democrat Jim Webb declared victory over Republican Sen. George Allen an hour before Allen told his supporters that the vote count would continue today.

There are no automatic recounts in Virginia, but state law allows a candidate who finishes half a percentage point or less behind to request one. The trailing candidate can also seek a recount if the margin is greater than half a point but less than one percentage point.

However, if a recount is requested, Jean Jensen, secretary of the state Board of Elections in Virginia, told ABC News that it would not start until Nov. 28 because of the state's elaborate set of rules and laws governing the vote certification and recount processes. The losing candidate cannot ask for a recount before that date.

The Democrats would have to win both Virginia and Montana to gain control of the Senate. Here some pivotal questions -- and answers -- about the recount process in Virginia:

When will we know the outcome in the race?

If a recount is requested, we will likely not know the results until mid-December.

What comes next?

How does the vote get certified?