13-15-104. Counting board for absentee ballots. (1) The election administrator shall:
     (a) give special instructions to any counting board for absentee ballots appointed under 13-4-101 on the proper procedures for counting the absentee ballots; and
     (b) provide the forms and supplies necessary for the board to perform its duties.
     (2) The counting board for absentee ballots shall:
     (a) be sequestered in a room separate from where ballots are being cast;
     (b) at any time prior to the closing of the polls but not before the polls open, start the count of the absentee votes cast; and
     (c) follow the procedures outlined in 13-13-241 and 13-15-103 for the counting of the votes cast.
     (3) No election judge or other individual having access to any results of early counting may disclose the information while the polls are open, and he must remain sequestered until the closing of the polls.
     (4) (a) In addition to the official oath taken and subscribed to by the election judges, the members of the counting board for absentee ballots shall complete and sign the following affirmation: "I, ....., will not discuss or disclose or allow anyone else to discuss or disclose to anyone the results of the early counting of votes while the polls are open."
     (b) The chief election judge shall witness and sign the affirmation.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 120, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 298, L. 1987.