Sealing of ballot boxesU.K.
36.—(1) Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer must show anyone present in the polling station that the ballot box is empty.
(2) The presiding officer must then—
(a)lock the box (if it has a lock) and place his or her seal on it in a manner that prevents it from being opened without breaking the seal, and
(b)place the box in his or her view for the receipt of ballot papers, and keep it so locked (if it has a lock) and sealed.