16-602. Removal of ballots from ballot boxes; disposition of ballots folded together or excessive ballots

1. The ballots cast in the election shall first be removed from the ballot box and counted without being opened, except as may be necessary to ascertain that the number of ballots cast corresponds with the number of names on the poll lists.

2. If two or more ballots are found folded together appearing as a single ballot, they shall be laid aside until the count of the ballots is completed. If it then appears by comparison of the count with the number of names on the poll lists, that the ballots thus folded together were cast by one elector, they shall be destroyed. If the ballots in the box are still found to exceed in number the names on the poll lists, the ballots, except those destroyed, shall be replaced in the box, and one of the judges shall, without looking in the box, draw therefrom, one at a time, and destroy unopened, a number of ballots equal to the excess, and the election board shall record on the poll lists the number of ballots so destroyed and shall then sign the poll list.

WARNING - The above text was curent June 2003, but may be outdated now.