That's very strange. We had our nomination committe count ours and we have a voter registration as a back up to balance both out.
You should of been allowed to be present. I don't see any harm in it at all. Were you on the ballot? Even if you were, you should of been allowed. That's my opinion. I have been involved with PTO for 6 years and have never denied anyone access to count the votes. In six years no ones even asked to be present. It's has always been the nomination committee.
During our election I requested to be present during the counting of the ballots and was denied by our school principal. In our bylaws there is not a statement other than who shall count the ballots. Is it not correct that a PTO is a public organization and that it should be public knowledge if you request? Please let me know. Thanks.