(a) Presence of Election Officials. The Board Chairperson shall verify that all necessary election officials are at election headquarters and that all ballot drop boxes are present. Upon verification that all Election Board members are present, the counting of ballots can begin.

(b) Opening of Locked Ballot Box. The Election Director and/or election staff, in the presence of the Election Board, other election officials and any designated vote count watchers, shall unlock the ballot boxes containing the executed ballots and election materials.

(c) Order of Count. Election officials shall not count or record the ballots for their own district. After the ballot boxes are opened, the ballots generally shall be counted and recorded in the following order:

(d) Tally of Ballots. The Election Board shall record vote tally information on tally sheets or electronic tabulating machines provided for such purpose. Upon completion of the tally, the Board members shall note on the tally sheets, or print out results from an electronic tabulator, the number of votes cast.

(e) Vote Count Watchers During Count. Vote count watchers shall not be seated at the Election Board table when the count is taking place. They must remain a distance of at least 10 feet from this table.

(f) Anyone May Observe Count. All attendees must adhere to all rules of conduct and not interfere with or hinder the election officials in exercising their responsibility. If interference occurs, the Board Chairperson shall call for an immediate suspension in election activities until the individual or individuals responsible are removed from the room. [Ord. 76 § 4709, amended, 6/23/2022; Ord. 56 § 4710, amended, 5/9/2019; Ord. 42 § 4710, adopted, 3/4/2015.]