(a)
The association shall select an independent third party or parties as an inspector of elections. The number of inspectors of elections shall be one or three.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, an independent third party includes, but is not limited to, a volunteer poll worker with the county registrar of voters, a licensee of the California Board of Accountancy, or a notary public. An independent third party may be a member, but may not be a director or a candidate for director or be related to a director or to a candidate for director. An independent third party may not be a person, business entity, or subdivision of a business entity who is currently employed
or under contract to the association for any compensable services unless
expressly authorized by rules of the association adopted pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 5105.
(c)
The inspector or inspectors of elections shall do all of the following:
(1)
Determine the number of memberships entitled to vote and the voting power of each.
(2)
Determine the authenticity, validity, and effect of proxies, if any.
(3)
Receive ballots.
(4)
Hear and determine all challenges and questions in any way arising out of or in connection with the right to vote.
(5)
Count and tabulate all
votes.
(6)
Determine when the polls shall close, consistent with the governing documents.
(7)
Determine the tabulated results of the election.
(8)
Perform any acts as may be proper to conduct the election with fairness to all members in accordance with this article, the Corporations Code, and all applicable rules of the association regarding the conduct of the election that are not in conflict with this article.
(d)
An inspector of elections shall perform all duties impartially, in good faith, to the best of the inspector of election’s ability, and as expeditiously as is practical. If there are three inspectors of elections, the decision or act of a majority
shall be effective in all respects as the decision or act of all. Any report made by the inspector or inspectors of elections is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the report.