All ballots voted shall be received by the tellers subject to verification and ascertainment of the validity thereof and of the qualification of the voters, and, in the case of ballots voted by proxy, the respective proxy instruments shall be filed with the tellers. Immediately upon the closing of the polls the tellers shall proceed to canvass the votes. The canvass shall proceed from day to day until completed. All ballots and proxy instruments received by the tellers shall immediately upon the completion of the canvass be placed in sealed packages and preserved by them for at least 1 year from the date of election. The person receiving the highest number of votes for each office of director to be filled shall be elected for a full term. In case 2 or more persons shall receive the same number of votes for the same office, the tellers shall decide the election by lot.
N.J.S. § 17B:18-16