METHOD OF DELIVERING CONTEST PAPERS TO PARTIES.

(a) The copies of the petition and answer must be delivered to the parties by:

(1) personal delivery; or

(2) registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.

(b) Any adult resident of the state may perform the personal delivery. If the party to whom delivery is intended cannot be found in the party's county of residence, the delivery may be completed by leaving the document at the party's usual place of abode or business with a person who is 16 years of age or older.

(c) Personal delivery of a copy of an answer is sufficient if it is delivered to the contestant's attorney of record or left at the attorney's regular office with a person who is 16 years of age or older.

(d) A copy of a petition delivered by mail must be marked for restricted delivery to the addressee only. The delivery is sufficient if the copy is mailed to the contestee's regular residence or business address.

(e) If the contestant's petition states an address to which the copy of the answer is to be delivered, a copy delivered by mail must be mailed to that address. Otherwise, delivery of a copy of an answer by mail is sufficient if the copy is mailed to the contestant at the contestant's regular residence or business address or to the contestant's attorney of record at the attorney's regular business address.