The costs of an election contest under the provisions of this chapter must be taxed under the direction of the board. If two or more cases are heard together, the costs must be apportioned as the board shall direct. In each case in which the petitioners do not prevail, the costs must be paid by them, and in each case in which the petitioners prevail, the costs must be paid by the state. If the costs are required to be paid by the state, the board shall certify the costs to the office of management and budget, which shall issue a warrant upon the state treasurer in payment of the same.
N.D.C.C. § 16.1-14-15