Section 72, The Public Elections Act, 2012

(1) Every ballot box shall be so constructed that the ballotpapers can be put in it by the voter but cannot be withdrawn by him. (2) The Presiding Officer shall cause to be placed at each polling station ballot boxes in which shall be deposited the ballot papers of the voters. (3) Immediately before the commencement of voting, the Presiding Officer at each polling station shall– (a) show each ballot box empty to observers (if any) and to any other persons lawfully present so that they may see that the boxes are empty; (b) in the presence of such persons, close and place distinctive seals upon each ballot box in such a manner as to prevent the ballot box from being opened without breaking the seal; (c) keep the ballot boxes so closed and sealed until the voting is completed and counting is about to commence. 36 37 (4) The Presiding Officer shall place the ballot boxes, in full view of the Presiding Officer, Polling Assistants, polling agents, observers (if any), and any other persons authorised to be present in the polling station throughout the voting time.