Section 250-525-4 - Appointment of personnel to process and count UOCAVA absentee ballots1.Required personnel. UOCAVA absentee ballots will be processed by a warden and election clerks appointed by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State may appoint one or more deputy wardens, if needed, to assist with UOCAVA absentee ballot processing and counting.2.Qualifications. Persons appointed to process UOCAVA absentee ballots must be at least 18 years of age, registered to vote and residents of the State.3.Appointment by Secretary of State. Each qualified party will be asked to nominate individuals to fill each position. The Secretary of State must consider these nominations but may appoint any qualified voters to serve. The Secretary of State shall appoint a sufficient number of election clerks from each of the major parties, and may appoint election clerks who are enrolled in a minor party or who are unenrolled. All persons who serve in these positions are entitled to receive compensation at a reasonable rate as determined by the Secretary of State.4.Selecting election clerks to serve at an election. The Secretary of State shall select election clerks to serve at each election from the list of appointees, unless a sufficient number is not available. The Secretary of State shall attempt to maintain a balance between the number of election clerks enrolled in each of the two major parties.5.Oath of office. Before assuming the duties of office, the warden, any deputy wardens, and election clerks are sworn by a Dedimus Justice and the oath is recorded.6.Term of office. Appointments of the warden, any deputy wardens and election clerks shall be made for each election.7.Training. The Secretary of State will provide training to all personnel appointed to process UOCAVA absentee ballots.8.Vacancies. If a sufficient number of election clerks is not available to serve at an election, the Secretary of State may appoint the necessary number of election clerks to fill the vacancies. When filling a vacancy, the Secretary of State shall attempt to appoint a person with the same enrollment status as the person who vacated the position.9.Persons ineligible to be appointed to process UOCAVA ballots. The following persons may not serve in this capacity:A. An employee of a party or candidate;B. A person having a direct pecuniary interest in the result of a referendum question;C. A candidate or member of the candidate's immediate family.D. Employees of the Legislature and elected state officials.29-250 C.M.R. ch. 525, § 4