(10 ILCS 5/23-1.8b) (from Ch. 46, par. 23-1.8b)
Sec. 23-1.8b.
Election contest - Statewide - State Board of Elections.
In
the event the circuit judge, in any such case, is of the opinion that such
action will expedite hearing and determination of the contest, the circuit
judge may appoint the State Board of Elections and refer the case to it to
recount the ballots, to take testimony and other evidence, to examine
records and equipment, to make a record of all objections to be heard by
the circuit court that may be made to the election returns or to any of
them or to any ballots cast or counted and to take all necessary steps and
do all necessary things to determine the true and correct result of the
election and to make a report thereof to the court. The State Board of
Elections shall have authority to count the ballots or cause the same to be
counted under its supervision and direction, to conduct such hearing or
hearings as may be necessary and proper, to apply to the circuit court in
the manner provided by law for the issuance of subpoenas or for any other
appropriate order or orders to compel the attendance of witnesses, and to
take such steps and perform such duties and acts in connection with the
conduct of any such hearing or hearings as may be necessary. The State
Board of Elections may, with the approval of the court, employ such
assistants as may be necessary and proper to provide for counting the
ballots, examining any records and equipment and taking all necessary steps
and doing all necessary things to determine the true and correct result of
the election under the direction and supervision of the State Board of
Elections. The State Board of Elections shall receive such compensation
for its services and such allowances for the services of its assistants and
for reimbursement of expenses incurred by it as shall be approved by the
circuit court, and such compensation and allowances when approved by the
circuit court may be taxed as costs in such cause.
(Source: P.A. 86-873.)
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