We protect ballots by keeping them in a steel case that has been sealed with a numbered sealed. These containers are then stored in a locked storage vault or cabinet. The canvass of election results must be completed 10 days after the Primary and all Special Elections and 15 days after the General Election . Absentees and special ballots are processed during this period of canvassing. The official Canvassing Board for Mason County consists of the Chairperson of the Mason County Commissioners , the Prosecuting Attorney and the County Auditor .
Mandatory recounts apply only to candidates and state wide measures.
If there is a tie vote, State law requires the decision to be made by lot draw . In Mason County, we determine the winner by drawing a name from the hat. If a voter applies and receives an absentee ballot, a notation is printed in the voter's precinct poll book that an absentee ballot has been issued. This ballot will be presented to the canvassing board. The Canvassing Board will determine if the ballot will be counted.