Hey Bob,
 It is good to hear from you! Yes, I have knowledge of this subject. The ballots are tallied by a counting committee, which consists of 3 disinterested parties. Disinterested parties meaning persons who derive no benefit from the results of the election. Members of this committee need not be members of HPOCA. In the past we used a county clerks office in Indianapolis, and I can remember when we used the staff at Aumann Auctions. What the current status is I do not know, but, I believe a mutually acceptable arrangement will be made. Where ever the mailing address on your ballot will be the location of the place the counting committee will meet. Both times that I ran for office, I was not invited to the proceedings, but I didn't ask to be invited either. I doubt there would be a problem with candidates attending the tally, but, it would be appropriate to have the Executive Committee inform the Counting Committee of this request. That way the Counting Committee can relay accurate information concerning exact time and place, as well as arrange for a room of sufficient size to accomodate the needs. I can not recall when a candidate wanted to be present. I know when I ran against Lee Smith, neither of us wanted to arrange a schedule to be there, the same when I ran against Terry Allen, as it wasn't necessary, and I have things I would rather be doing, like plowing!!! I like plowing, I think most of us do!!! There is no requirement to account for blank ballots in the bylaws, nor is there any requirement for custody of blank ballots. Since the Secretary is running unopposed, it would be appropriate that the Secretary be custodian. A supply of blank ballots is necessary for two good reasons, the first being, under parliamentary law, a member has a right to a replacement ballot, in the case that a ballot has been tainted, mismarked, torn, bent, folded, or in some way marked in any manner that would distinguish the ballot from any other ballot. The process for this is simple, just write the word 'void' across the face of the ballot, and send it along with a letter requesting a replacement to the person who has custody. Allow time for mailing, from, to, and back to the counting committee. In our case the timeframe is critical, so procrastination is not recommended, that puts me in a tough spot, I would rather plow!!! 
The other reason is printing costs, ordering an exact number of forms costs more, at least that is what Sherry explained one time. Setup probably is the most costly issue of a printing job of this nature, so it would be understandable that a printer would want to print a round number of forms. Which, when a sufficient number to meet our needs are printed, in all probability would leave an excess to be used for replacements.
 I encourage you to pay attention to provisions recommended to change the bylaws in regard to this. The committee has recommended procedure which will require a chain of custody for blank ballots, and accounting for them. This was done as a precaution to protect the good name of the person, or persons responsible for this duty. This has not been done in the past, hopefully we can implement this in the future.
 It is a pleasure to try to answer your question, if you further information, don't hesitate to let me know.
Take Care!!!
Andy