Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a local board may commence the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots at 2 p.m. on the day of a special election. The State Board may adopt regulations authorizing a local board to commence the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots before the time specified in subsection (a) of this section. The State Board shall adopt regulations that provide for: public observation of the canvass of vote–by–mail ballots in accordance with § 11–301(a–1) of this article; and procedures for maintaining the secrecy of the election results until after 12 a.m. on the day after a special election.