Tennessee § 2-18-107 - Presence of candidates — Objections and petitions — Answer.

§ 2-18-107. Presence of candidates — Objections and petitions — Answer.

All persons receiving votes for governor and their attorneys may be present on the floor during the call of counties but only for the purpose of filing objections. When an objection is made, it shall be followed by a petition stating the grounds of objection clearly and concisely, making specific assignment of the grounds relied on other than the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake or illegalities relied upon. The petition shall be filed with the speaker or tellers, not later than the day following the day on which the call of the counties has been concluded. A copy of the petition of objection shall be served upon each claimant or left at the claimant's usual place of residence, within five (5) days after the filing of the petition, which service shall be sufficient. The copy may be served by the sergeant-at-arms of the senate or house of representatives or one (1) of the assistants of either, by any sheriff or the sheriff's deputy, or by any private person, but if served by a private person, the return showing service shall be on oath in writing. Within five (5) days after the service of the copy, each person, other than the petitioner, claiming the office of governor by virtue of the election may file with the speaker or tellers an answer making specific assignments of the grounds relied upon and making counter-objections other than to the face of the returns, designating the counties, civil districts, wards, and precincts, with specifications as to the irregularities, fraud, error, mistake, or illegalities relied upon. The answer shall include specific denials of such assignments of charges by the petitioner as they may see proper. All charges not denied shall be taken as true. A copy of each answer shall be served on each claimant as in the case of the petition. Acts 1972, ch. 740, § 1; T.C.A., § 2-1807.