A. The clerk shall have the canvass board or counting teams perform the recount using the ballot tabulation system designated by the clerk.

B. The canvass board or counting teams shall review all ballots to determine which ballots, or parts of ballots, were properly marked and which ballots are to be counted in the recount. Write-in votes are not invalidated by writing in the name of a candidate whose name is printed on the ballot and shall be counted consistent with WMC 4.28.020. For administrative convenience, the clerk may join and include two or more applications in a single review and count of votes. Marked ballots that are damaged or otherwise not accepted by the ballot tabulation system used in the recount will be hand-counted, and the rules governing the hand counting of ballots in WMC 4.28.015 shall be followed.

C. The ballots and election materials shall remain in the custody of the clerk during the recount and the highest degree of care shall be exercised to protect the ballots against alteration or mutilation.

D. The recount shall be completed within 10 calendar days.

E. The clerk may employ additional personnel necessary to assist in the recount. (Ord. 21-10 § 6, 2021; Ord. 15-24(AM) § 4, 2015; Ord. 01-16(SUB) § 16, 2001; prior code § 18.45.040)