North Dakota Administrative Code
Title 71 - Retirement Board
Article 71-01 - General Administration
Chapter 71-01-02 - Election Rules
Section 71-01-02-09 - Canvassing rules

1. Ballot counting by election committee members or their authorized representatives will commence on the date set for the election committee to do so and will continue until complete.

2. Each candidate may have one overseer present at the canvassing who may examine each ballot as to its sufficiency after the canvassers have completed the canvassing of all ballots. No overseer may possess a pen, pencil, or other device which could be considered capable of altering a ballot in any manner.

3. A candidate may act as his or her overseer. If a candidate wishes to designate a representative to act as his or her overseer, that candidate must provide a written authorization, duly witnessed, to the election committee at the canvassing. An overseer may act on behalf of more than one candidate; however, each person must show the required authorization from each candidate represented.

4. The overseer may question the decision of the canvassers regarding a ballot after completion of the canvassing. If questioned, the comments of an overseer will be heard. The canvassers will then vote regarding the acceptability of the ballot with the majority vote ruling.

5. A ballot is not valid where the number of votes on the ballot exceeds the number of vacancies in the election. A ballot that does not, in the opinion of a majority of the canvassers, show a clear indication of the voter's intention, may not be counted.

6. If the percentage of votes received by the candidate receiving the highest number of votes is less than one percent more than the votes received by the candidate receiving the next highest number of votes, the board shall order a recount.

7. Tie votes will be determined by a coin toss. If this procedure is necessary, the election committee will establish and notify the tied candidates of the procedure and location for resolving the tie.

8. If the committee should determine that the outcome of the election has been compromised for any reason, the committee may determine the election to be invalid. If the election is determined to be invalid, the committee shall call for a new election with a new election schedule.