What happens if Trump fights 2016 election results?

Trump said he won't concede to Clinton; tells people to watch polling stations

ORLANDO, Fla.

Legal experts say Donald Trump’s comments about refusing to concede the election if Hillary Clinton wins, because of a “rigged” election have little impact on the possible next president, but are a bigger threat to the U.S. democratic process.

During the final debate, Trump twice refused to promise that he would concede if Clinton wins the election in a clear victory.

“I will keep you in suspense,” Trump said during the debate.

At a rally in Delaware, Ohio, the next day Trump said he would accept the results, with one caveat.

"I would like to promise and pledge to all of my voters and supporters and to all of the people of the United States that I will totally accept the results of this great and historic presidential election — if I win,” Trump said.

The GOP presidential nominee can choose not to concede, but legally he doesn’t have much to stand on, said Darren Hutchinson, Stephen C. O’Connell Chair and professor of law with the University of Florida Levin College of Law.

“The U.S. has a very good and solid record,” said Hutchinson. “We are a nation that conducts elections really well.”

The George W. Bush vs. Al Gore 2000 election has been used as an example of a contested election, but experts say comparing the two is apples versus oranges.

[MORE: News 6 2016 election guide]

“In order to get an automatic recount in Florida, you have to finish with a margin of 0.5 percent or less of votes cast for that office,” University of Central Florida professor Jim Clark said. “Anything above that and you have to send for the lawyers.”

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The 2000 vote came down to more than 500 votes in Florida, within the margin to invoke an automatic recount.

“Trump seems to be suggesting the entire process is rigged,” said Hutchinson “Gore only contested in specific [Florida] counties.”

If he were to sue and contest the results, Trump would have to find some basis for suing each jurisdiction, Hutchinson said.

What is more concerning to election law experts is that Trump has asked his supporters to watch polling stations on Election Day for “rigged” voting.

“So important that you watch other communities, because we don't want this election stolen from us," Trump told supporters at a rally in Pennsylvania on Oct. 10.

Trump continued to push the fraudulent election allegations while on the campaign trail in Wisconsin.

“Remember, we are competing in a rigged election,” he said.

Both the Democrat and Republican parties say there is no evidence of fraud.

The GOP nominee asked supporters to watch polling stations in Chicago, Philadelphia and St. Louis for discrepancies or rigging.

“Poll watching is permitted,” said Hutchinson. “Harassment of voters is not.”

In Florida, poll watchers must have identification and register in advance. They cannot interact with voters, only the polling officials.

If poll watchers obstruct someone from voting it is a violation of federal and state law.

News 6 reached out to Central Florida election officials to see if they will be preparing any extra precautionary measures for the general election.

Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, Flagler, Seminole and Volusia counties will have deputies at polling locations just like during past elections.

“If a voter feels they have been harassed they need to immediately inform the polling location clerk or they can always call our office at 407-742-6000 and let us know,” Amber Smith, community relations coordinator for the Osceola County supervisor of elections said.

In Brevard County, election officials said they have received poll watcher designations from two candidates.

"Only one poll watcher per political party or candidate is allowed in a polling location," Michelle Bujold, communications director for the Brevard County supervisor of elections said.

Hutchinson said if voters see any harassment, they should contact their local elections office and their affiliated party.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.