Sec. 7. (a) The secretary of state shall issue orders to implement and administer the requirements of this chapter if a petition for recount or contest filed under this article affecting the county has not been filed. If a petition for a recount or contest has been filed affecting the county, then the deadline to complete a post-election audit is not later than sixty (60) days after completion of the recount or contest.
(b) In issuing an order under subsection (a), the secretary of state shall:
(1) consult with recognized statistical experts, equipment vendors, the election division, and county election officials; and
(2) consider best practices for conducting post-election audits.
(c) A post-election audit shall be completed not later than:
(1) the final Friday in June following a primary election;
(2) December 20 following a general election, if a petition for a recount or contest that affects the county has not been filed under this article; or
(3) sixty (60) days following completion of the recount or contest, if a petition for a recount or contest that affects the county has been filed under this article.