Until after the passage of the act of March 27, 1799, the canvassers were a joint committee of the Legislature, the boxes containing the ballots being sent by the sheriff to the Secretary of State for the purpose. After that date there were local canvassers. The result was recorded by the town clerk, who made return to the county clerk, who made record and transmitted it to the Secretary of State, who, with the comptroller and treasurer, constituted a State Board of Canvassers. The act of April 17, 1822, instituted a County Board of Canvassers, consisting of one inspector of election from each town. Each town or ward was made an election district. The act of April 5, 1842, made the supervisors the county canvassers, and provided for the division of towns and wards into a convenient number of election districts. This duty devolved upon the supervisors, assessors and clerks of towns, who were required to do it where the population exceeded five hundred.

Election Days.-- The act of February 13, 1787, appointed the last Tuesday of April the day for the general election, which might be held for five days. By the act of April 17, 1822, it was changed to the first Tuesday of November, and the polls were opened, bj' adjournment from place to place, for three successive days. The act of April 5, 1842, the Tuesday succeeding the first Monday of November was designated, and the election was confined to one day. The election for town officers takes place on the last Tuesday of March.