Boards at the Central Counting Place
Overview
Each county has a central counting place, which can have 11 or more types of boards, as needed. 2023 EPM at 201. The Secretary of State recommends that County Elections Directors combine boards when “practicable.” 2023 EPM at 201. As a result some of the boards might be combined, expanded, or renamed, but the below provides a default structure for the boards that may be found at central counting places.
Receiving Board
Duties
The key duty of the Receiving Board is receiving items back from the polling places. *2023 EPM* at 202.
Appointment and Makeup Information
- Appointed: The Receiving Board is appointed by the County Elections Director at least 14 days prior to the Receiving Board “beginning its duties.” *2023 EPM* at 202.
- Makeup: The Receiving Board is composed of two members who are not registered in the same political party. 2023 EPM at 202. The County Elections Director (or a designee) serves as chair of the Receiving Board. 2023 EPM at 202.
Note: The Secretary of State has said that Receiving Boards and Inspection Boards are “normally” combined “unless circumstances would render [doing so] inefficient.” *2023 EPM* at 203.
Inspection Board
Duties
- Opening and verifying information on the precinct ballot report for the ballot transfer container if the container includes any voting materials other than voted ballots. 2023 EPM at 203.
- Inspecting returns. 2023 EPM at 203.
Appointment and Makeup Information
- Appointed: Members are nominated by political party chairpersons, but the County Elections Director appoints them to the Inspection Board. 2023 EPM at 202.
- Makeup: The Inspection Board is composed of two members registered as members of different political parties. *2023 EPM* at 202.
Note: The Secretary of State has said that Receiving Boards and Inspection Boards are “normally” combined “unless circumstances would render [doing so] inefficient.” 2023 EPM at 203.
Central Counting Board