Section 11-16-24 Proceedings When Returns Destroyed, Withheld, or Delayed.

If it shall be made to appear to said board that the returns from any precinct or ward are destroyed or withheld or the delivery thereof purposely delayed or prevented, said board shall take such steps as in their judgment may be necessary in order to secure correct returns thereof and, to that end, they may examine witnesses under oath, which oath may be administered by one of the commissioners, touching the number of votes cast in such precinct “For removal to _____” and the number cast “Against removal,” and such votes shall be included in their statement. Said board shall reject any ballots shown to be illegal and shall count all legal ballots.