QUESTION: Is it okay for the Inspector of Elections to give us a count of the number of ballots turned in? We're not asking for the names of the voters; we just want to make sure we can make quorum.

ANSWER: Yes, the Inspector can give a ballot count. There is nothing unethical, improper or contrary to the Davis-Stirling Act for Inspectors to give ballot counts, i.e., the number of ballots the Inspector had received as of a particular date. Giving the number of "votes" received would be improper since the Inspector cannot open and tabulate the votes until the date of the election. The opening and tabulating of votes must take place in public and after the close of balloting.