(1) The preparation for counting ballots must be as provided in 13-15-201.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), after the close of voting on election day, the counting board appointed pursuant to 13-15-112 shall:
(a) open the official ballot boxes;
(b) if the process authorized under 13-13-241 (8) was not used, open each secrecy envelope, removing the voted ballot; and
(c) proceed to count the votes as provided in Title 13, chapter 15.
(3) The election administrator may begin the procedures described in subsection (2) no sooner than 1 day before election day if the election administrator complies with the procedures described in 13-15-207 (3).