F1SCHEDULE 1EUROPEAN PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS RULES
PART 3CONTESTED ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 3The Poll
Sealing of ballot boxes
36.
Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer must—
(a)
show the ballot box empty to such persons, if any, as are present in the polling station, so that they may see that it is empty,
(b)
then, if it has a lock, lock it up,
(c)
place his seal on it in such a manner so as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal,
(d)
place it in his view for the receipt of ballot papers, and
(e)
keep it so locked, if it has a lock, and sealed.