R 168.844 Hearings.

Rule 4. (1) The secretary of the board shall serve notice of any hearing to be held by the board by regular mail, telephone, or other electronic means no less than 2 days before the date of the hearing. The notice must include the hearing date, time, place, and reason for holding the hearing, and be served on either of the following individuals: (a) The sponsor, and any opponent requesting notice, of an initiative or referendum petition. (b) A candidate or any individual challenging the candidate’s nominating petition. (2) An individual may appear at a hearing on the individual’s behalf, by an authorized representative, or by counsel, either in person or by remote participation, if available, and shall file a written appearance with the board on a form provided by the board. (3) An individual served with a notice of hearing may file a written argument with the board and with the other parties, if any, at least 48 hours before the date of the hearing. (4) If an individual properly served with a notice of hearing fails to appear for the hearing, the board, if no adjournment is granted, may proceed with the hearing and make its decision in the absence of the individual. (5) The board may issue a subpoena upon its own initiative, at the written request of the secretary of the board, or at the written request of a party to the hearing. (6) A hearing must be adjourned or continued only by order of the board. (7) A request for an adjournment or continuance must be in writing and state the reason for the request.