1532 LAWS OF MARYLAND. [CH. 934

on each counter, and the results as shown by the counter num-
bers for and against each question voted on. The counter shall
not be read consecutively along the party rows or columns, but
shall always be read along the office columns or rows, com-
pleting the canvass for each office or question before proceed-
ing to the next. The vote as registered shall be entered by the
judges, in ink, on triplicate return sheets, and also on a general
return sheet and statement, all of which, after the canvass is
completed, shall be signed by the judges. If more than one vot-
ing machine is used in any precinct, the vote registered on each
machine shall be ascertained in like manner, and separately
entered in appropriate spaces on the general and triplicate
return sheets and statement. The total vote cast for each can-
didate, and for and against each question, shall then be com-
puted and entered on the general and triplicate return sheets
and statement. There shall also be entered on the general re-
turn sheet and statement the number of voters who have voted,
as shown by the lists of voters, and the number who have voted
on each machine, as shown by the public counters, and also
the number registered on the protective counter or device on
each machine immediately prior to the opening of the polls
and immediately after the closing thereof and sealing of the
machine. The number or other designation of each machine
used shall also be entered thereon. In case of primary elections,
triplicate return sheets shall be prepared for each party. The
registering counters of the voting machines shall remain ex-
posed to view until the said returns and all other reports have
been fully completed. During such time, any candidate, or duly
accredited watcher, who may desire to be present, shall be ad-
mitted to the polling place.

(c) The proclamation of the result of the votes cast shall
be announced distinctly and audibly by one of the judges of
election, who shall read the name of each candidate, the desig-
nation or designating numbers and letters of his counters and
the vote registered on each counter, also the vote cast for and
against each question submitted. During such proclamation
ample opportunity shall be given to any person lawfully
present to compare the results so announced with the counter
dials of the machine, and any necessary corrections shall then
and there be made by the judges, after which the doors or
other cover of the voting machine shall be closed and locked
and the return sheet shall be signed by each of the judges of
election. If any judge shall decline to sign such return, he
shall state his reason therefor in writing, and a copy thereof,
signed by himself, shall be enclosed with such return. Each of
the return sheets shall be enclosed in an envelope, which shall
then be sealed with sealing wax, or other sealing ma-
terial, and each of the judges shall write his name across the