THEODORE R. MCKELDIN, GOVERNOR 217

(17) After the ballots and votes have been counted, and the
result ascertained said Board of Election Supervisors shall,
within twenty-four (24) hours, certify to the Commissioners
of Bowie the result of such election, stating the names of the
candidates and the number of votes cast for each, and shall,
within the same period, post at least one copy of such certifi-
cate at the regular meeting place of said Commission. Such
certificate shall be signed by each member of said Board of
Election Supervisors. Provided, however, that failure on the
the part of said Board to make such certificate or to post copies
thereof, or failure to do both of these acts, shall not invalidate
such election. If said Board shall so fail to make such certifi-
cate, and post copies thereof, then it shall be the duty of the
Commissioners of Bowie to make such, certificate and post such
copies thereof.

(18) After said Board shall have counted the ballots and
votes, and ascertained the result of the election, said Board
shall file with the Commissioners of Bowie all records and
books in connection with such election.

(19) Every Commissioner before entering upon the duties
of his office, shall take the constitutional oath of office before
the clerk of the Circuit Court of Prince George's County or one
of his deputies. Failure to take the oath of office within ten
days after election shall constitute a vacancy in that office.

84. On the first Monday in June 1951, if not a legal holiday
and if said first Monday in June is a legal holiday, then on the
day following each registered voter shall be allowed to vote
for three candidates and the person receiving the highest num-
ber of votes for Commissioner shall serve for three years, the
person receiving the second highest number of votes shall serve
for two years, and the person receiving the third highest num-
ber of votes shall serve for one year. That annually thereafter,
on the first Monday in June (if not a legal holiday, and if a
legal holiday on the day following), said Board of Election
Supervisors shall hold an election by ballot to elect a Commis-
sioner whose term shall be for three years to succeed the Com-
missioner whose term expires at that time.

85. In case any person so elected to the office of Commis-
sioner shall fail so to qualify, or in case of any vacancy in the
office of Commissioner by death, resignation or otherwise, the
remaining Commissioners shall fill such vacancy by appoint-
ment to serve until the next annual election, and if the term
of said Commissioner does not regularly expire at that time,
then a successor to fill out the unexpired term shall be elected
at said annual election. Any person so appointed shall possess