Sec. 17. (a) After a recount is ordered under section 12 of this chapter, the state recount commission or its designee shall convene at a place fixed by order of the state recount commission and expeditiously complete the recount of all votes ordered recounted. Each candidate affected by the recount may have a watcher present at the recount and may also be present in person. The candidate has the same rights as a watcher appointed under IC 3-6-8-4. Representatives of the media may also attend the recount and have the same rights as media watchers appointed under IC 3-6-10.

     (b) After a contest proceeding is ordered under section 12 of this chapter, the state recount commission or its designee shall convene at a place fixed by order of the state recount commission and conduct a hearing on the contest petition. Each candidate affected by the contest may be present in person. The candidate has the same rights as a watcher appointed under IC 3-6-8-4. Representatives of the media may also attend the hearing and have the same rights as media watchers appointed under IC 3-6-10.

     (c) The proceedings of the state recount commission under this section shall be performed in public under IC 5-14-1.5. However, the commission may restrict access to parts of a room where the recount or contest proceeding is being conducted to safeguard the election material or other evidence and to permit the material to be handled or transported by the commission.

As added by P.L.7-1986, SEC.19. Amended by P.L.3-1987, SEC.408; P.L.3-1997, SEC.371; P.L.194-2013, SEC.89.