(a) A candidate in the affected Board member election may file a written request with the Election Coordinator at the headquarters office of the System for recount within ten business days following the distribution of the certified election results; otherwise, there shall be no opportunity for requesting a recount and the certified election results stand as the final results.

(b) A request for a recount shall not delay the seating of an elected Board member. Such elected Board member shall take office on either the day provided for by statute or immediately, if elected to fill a vacancy, subject to the potential termination of such Board membership as a result of the recount.

(c) A candidate in the affected Board member election may request a recount of the valid ballots only if the difference in the number of votes cast between the candidate requesting the recount and the unofficial winner is less than 3 percent of the total number of valid ballots cast. A written request for a recount shall specify the election to be recounted, shall be signed by the candidate requesting the recount, and may specify any other relevant material to be examined.

(d) The Election Coordinator shall set a date for the recount upon receipt of the written request, and shall confirm this date upon receipt of the estimated cost to conduct the recount. The estimated cost of conducting a recount will include the System's administrative cost and the costs of the independent, neutral agent appointed by the System to canvass the valid ballots. Legal tender of the amount of the estimated cost of conducting the recount shall be submitted by the candidate requesting the recount to the Election Coordinator within three business days following notification of the estimated cost to conduct the recount; otherwise, the recount shall be terminated.

(e) If the results of the recount do not change the ranking of the candidates then the certified results shall stand as the final election results. In this case, if the actual cost of the recount is less than the estimated cost deposited by the requester, the System shall refund the amount which exceeds the actual cost; if the actual cost of the recount is more than the estimated cost, the System shall invoice the requester for the difference.

(f) If the results of the recount do change the ranking of the candidates, then the recount results shall be certified by the Chief Executive Officer and shall stand as the final election results. In this case, the System shall refund the amount of the estimated cost deposited by the requester.