Section 9-506 - Canvass of votes(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a local board may commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots at 2 p.m. on the day of a special election.(b) The State Board may adopt regulations authorizing a local board to commence the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots before the time specified in subsection (a) of this section.(c) The State Board shall adopt regulations that provide for:(1) public observation of the canvass of vote-by-mail ballots in accordance with § 11-301(a-1) of this article; and(2) procedures for maintaining the secrecy of the election results until after 12 a.m. on the day after a special election.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 358,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2016.Added by 2016 Md. Laws, Ch. 357,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2016.