RSA 660:14: Conduct.

At the time and place so appointed, the ballots shall be counted by the secretary of state and such assistants as the secretary of state may require. The ballots shall be open to the inspection of the petitioners, the officials of the city or town, counsel, if any, of the same, and other interested persons under such suitable rules as the secretary of state shall prescribe. When counting the ballots, the secretary of state or his or her assistants shall visually inspect each ballot. No mechanical, optical, or electronic device shall be used for the counting of ballots.