(a) Investigation. The Regional Director investigates objections and/or determinative challenged ballots that are sufficient in number to affect the results of the election.

(b) Burden of proof. An objecting party bears the burden of proof on objections by a preponderance of the evidence. However, no party bears the burden of proof on challenged ballots.

(c) Regional Director action. After investigation, the Regional Director takes appropriate action consistent with §2422.30.

(d) Consolidated hearing on objections and/or determinative challenged ballots and an unfair labor practice hearing. When appropriate, and under §2422.33, a Regional Director may consolidate objections and/or determinative challenged ballots with an unfair labor practice hearing. An Administrative Law Judge conducts these consolidated hearings, except the following provisions do not apply:

(1) Sections 2423.18 and 2423.19(j) of this subchapter concerning the burden of proof and settlement conferences are not applicable;

(2) The Administrative Law Judge may not recommend remedial action to be taken or notices to be posted as provided by §2423.26(a) of this subchapter.

(e) Party exceptions filed with the Authority. A party may file exceptions and related submissions with the Authority, and the Authority then issues a decision under part 2423 of this chapter.