Sec. 127.131. PREPARING RETURNS. (a) After the automatic counting of ballots for each precinct is completed, the presiding judge of the central counting station shall prepare the election returns for that precinct and sign the returns to certify their accuracy.

(b) In addition to the results of the automatically counted votes, the returns must include the results of the manually counted votes.

(c) The same number of copies of the returns shall be prepared as for a precinct polling place using regular paper ballots.

(d) The returns may not be certified until a valid automatic count is obtained or a manual count is completed, as appropriate.

(e) If the automatic tabulating equipment produces a printout that contains all information required to appear on the election returns, the printout with the addition of the manually counted votes constitutes the return.

Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 211, Sec. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1986.