1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a local board may commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots at 2 p.m. on the day of a special election.
2. (b) The State Board may adopt regulations authorizing a local board to commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots before the time specified in subsection (a) of this section.

3. (c) The State Board shall adopt regulations that provide for:

   1. (1) public observation of the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots in accordance with § 11-301(a-1) of this article; and
   2. (2) procedures for maintaining the secrecy of the election results until after 12 a.m. on the day after a special election.

Added by Acts 2016, c. 357, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016; Acts 2016, c. 358, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2016.