A decision of the major part of the members thereof, who shall be present at a meeting, shall be deemed to be the decision of such board. If any member shall dissent from a decision of the board, and shall desire to protect himself against any consequences which may result from such decision, he shall state his dissent in writing, and deliver the same in the case of the state board of canvassers to the secretary of state and in all other cases to the clerk of the county, who shall file the same in his office.