From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer
To: Unknown recipient
The Chasam Sofer rules that if two kosher witnesses testify that community members accepted bribes, the entire appointment process is void; if the rabbi himself initiated the bribery he is personally disqualified until he repents; but without valid witnesses the appointment stands, as self-incriminating confessions cannot invalidate it, though bribe recipients must return the funds and are permanently barred from voting on this appointment. Those who opened the sealed letter violated the cherem against opening sealed letters.
Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer CM §160