Validation of Proxy Votes

We're about to have redo our election from our annual meeting. Due to some bad blood (one board member against all others) I think there might be some possibility for tampering with the proxies. The proxy sheets have already gone out and are simple to either copy or just reproduce on any computer.

If someone wanted to sway the vote, seems they would just have to fillout as many proxies as they'd want and present them at the meeting.

My question is; how can we validate the proxy is genuine? I don't know a persons signature, so determining if it's valid that way wouldn't be feasable. I've thought of using paper that has a watermark, but even that can be obtained. I've thought of a mark on the page that can only be seen under a black light. But all of these must be done prior to sending the proxies out.

Can we delay the announcement of the election until we verify the validity of each proxy? Our management company tells me we must announce the results at the meeting.

Any help?
John

John - You are correctly anticipating problems with proxies. The numbering system mentioned by Brian works fine. The numbers should tie with your lot numbers, or somehow to identify the owner. But legitimate proxies can still be solicited and collected by anyone wanting to control an election. All they need to do is go door to door with their story and convince the owners to sign and hand them over. However, the owner can still show up at the meeting and sign in, negating the proxy. Arizona, for one, has outlawed proxy voting. Good luck with your problem. Harold