For the purpose of such investigation, the clerk, if no meeting be already appointed, shall call a meeting of such board of canvassers and the said board shall have power to issue subpoenas requiring the person in charge thereof to bring before it the ballot boxes used in the election precinct or precincts referred to in the petition, as well as the poll lists, tally sheets, statements of returns and such other documents or reports as may be deemed necessary. Said board shall safely guard such ballots, poll lists, tally sheets and returns and when no longer required shall deliver them to the officials charged with the custody thereof. Whoever, being so subpoenaed, shall fail to appear or shall fail to produce any such box, shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor. The persons who are required to appear before the board of canvassers shall be paid the same fees and mileage as are paid circuit court witnesses in the county. They shall be paid by the political subdivision before whose board of canvassers they appear.
MCL 168.870