Mich. Admin. Code R. 168.921
Rule 21. If any ballots are subject to recount regardless of their corresponding in number with the poll list, such ballots shall be returned to their ballot box and assigned to a table for recount. The recount clerk shall remove such ballots from their wrappers, place them face down upon there count table, and count the number of ballots. If the number of ballots is equal to or less than the number of ballots issued on election day, as shown by the poll list, such ballots shall be recounted in the manner hereinafter provided. If the number of ballots is in excess of the number of ballots issued on election day, as shown by the poll list, the ballots shall be turned face up and so many blank ballots or ballots upon which there is no attempted vote for the office or offices or for the proposition or propositions being recounted shall first be withdrawn as shall be equal to the excess. If there are not sufficient blank ballots or ballots upon which there is no such attempted vote to equal such excess, the remaining ballots shall be shuffled and mixed and replaced in the ballot box and the recount clerk shall then draw out so many ballots therefrom as shall be equal to the excess remaining. All such ballots withdrawn shall be publicly destroyed by the recount clerk and the remaining ballots shall be recounted in the manner hereinafter provided. Such ballots shall be laid aside but not destroyed in case a recount of another office or proposition involving the same ballots is being conducted or is pending.
Mich. Admin. Code R. 168.921