Post-audit Procedures

(1) When the audit is complete, the board or commission shall enclose all the ballots in their proper envelopes or containers, secure each envelope or container with a seal and certify upon each envelope or container that it has been opened and again sealed in conformity to law. (2) Upon completion of the audit in each municipality, the board of registrars or election commission shall record each race audited in each precinct on a separate audit report form provided by the Secretary. The registrars or commissioners shall submit the completed audit report forms to the Secretary not later than 14 calendar days following the election. (4) An audit report form shall provide for the entry of: (a) the number of votes for each candidate or each yes and no vote and the blank votes and over-votes as recorded in the audit hand count; (b) the election night tallies reported for each candidate or each yes and no vote and the blank votes for the same ballots that were counted in the audit; (c) the differences between the audit hand count results and the election night tallies for each candidate, yes and no question and blank votes excepting the overvotes; (d) the number of votes for each contest for which voter intent is discernible but that are not marked by the voter according to the instructions provided to the voters under M.G.L. c. 54, § 48 and any explanatory notes related thereto; and (e) any additional notes on perceived causes of discrepancies.