§ 4.70.020. Commencement of ballot count.

A.

For counting of paper ballots, when the polls are closed and the last vote has been cast, the election board shall immediately proceed to open the ballot box, separate the questioned ballot envelopes from other ballots and then proceed to count the votes cast. In all cases the election board shall cause the count to be continued without adjournment until the count is complete. The clerk may authorize the appointment of counters to assist in the counting of ballots. Before undertaking the duties of the office, each counter shall subscribe to an oath to honestly, faithfully, impartially and promptly carry out the duties of the position. An election judge may administer the oath. If an appointed counter fails to appear and subscribe to the oath at the time designated by the clerk, the election board may appoint any qualified voter to fill the vacancy.

B.

In optical scan or other computer-read or electronic ballot precincts, when the polls have closed and the last vote has been cast, the election board shall immediately transmit election results to the clerk following the written instructions provided to each precinct. Once the election results have been transmitted, the election board shall open the ballot box, separate questioned and write-in ballots from other ballots cast, place all ballots in the tamper proof containers provided, and proceed with the ballot accountability and poll closing procedures provided by the clerk.

(Ord. No. 2002-17, § 6, 6-4-02; Ord. No. 94-08, § 1(part), 1994; Ord. No. 84-28, § 1(part), 1984)