In the hearing of any contest before any committee or subcommittee under the provisions of this article, such committee, through its chair, or through such other authority as may be designated, shall have authority to summon witnesses to appear before it, or before any subcommittee appointed by it, in the hearing of any contest pending before such committee, and can require any witnesses by a subpoena duces tecum to produce any books, papers, poll lists, tally sheets, ballots, certificates, or other documents which it may consider necessary to a rightful determination of the case.