(a) Whenever the Mediation Service receives a timely exception to a report on a challenged ballot or an objection, the Mediation Service shall determine whether the exception raises a substantial and material issue with respect to the conduct or result of the consent election.
(b) (1) If the Mediation Service determines that an exception raises a substantial and material issue, the Mediation Service may hold a hearing on the exception.
(2) The Mediation Service shall serve notice of the hearing on each party.