Sealing up of ballot papersU.K.
59.—(1) On the completion of the counting at a contested election the CRO must seal up in separate packets the counted and rejected ballot papers.
(2) Where some or all of the votes have been counted using the electronic counting system, the CRO must also seal up in a separate packet a complete electronic record (“the electronic record”) of the information stored in the electronic counting system, held in such device as may be suitable for the purpose of its storage.
(3) After making the electronic record under paragraph (2), the CRO must arrange for the original records in the electronic counting system to be removed from it and destroyed in a manner that ensures that the secrecy of those records is preserved.
(4) The CRO must not open the sealed packets of—
(a)tendered ballot papers, or
(b)certificates as to employment on duty on the day of the poll.
(5) Where the CRO discharges the functions referred to in regulation 5 of the Combination of Polls Regulations, he must also not open the sealed packets of—
(a)the completed corresponding number lists,
(b)marked copies of the register of electors (including any marked copy notices issued under section 13B(3B) or (3D) of the 1983 Act) and lists of proxies.