Section 40 in The Tamil Nadu Town Panchayats, Third Grade Municipalities, Municipalities and Corporations (Elections) Rules, 2006
40. Preparation of ballot boxes for poll.
(1)Where a paper seal is used in an election for securing a ballot box, the Presiding Officer shall affix his own signature on the reverse side of the paper seal and obtain thereon the signatures of such of the polling agents present as are desirous of affixing the same.(2)The Presiding Officer shall, thereafter, fix the paper seal so signed in the space meant therefor in the ballot box and shall secure the seal in such a manner that the slit for the insertion of the ballot papers thereinto remains open. An account of the paper seals used shall also be maintained by the Presiding Officer as directed by the State Election Commission. The Presiding Officer may also permit the polling agents to note down the serial numbers of the paper seals used.(3)The paper seal used for securing a ballot box shall, be affixed in such manner that after the box has been closed, it is not possible to open it without breaking the seal.(4)Where it is not necessary to use paper seals for securing the ballot boxes, the Presiding Officer shall secure and seal the ballot box in such manner that the slit for insertion of ballot papers remains open and allow the polling agents present to affix their seals, if they so desire.(5)Every ballot box used at a polling station shall bear labels and addressed tags both inside and outside marked with:-(a)the name of the Town Panchayat or Third Grade Municipality or Municipality or Corporation and number of the ward;(b)the serial number and name of the polling station;(c)the serial number of the ballot box (to be filled in at the end of the poll on the label and addressed tag outside the ballot box only); and(d)the date of poll.(6)The Presiding Officer shall, immediately before the commencement of the poll, show ballot box empty to such contesting candidates, election agents, polling agents and other authorised persons as are present and shall then lock it up and place his seal upon it. The ballot box shall then be closed. sealed and secured and placed in full view of the Presiding Officer and the polling agents. The Presiding Officer shall also sign the declaration in Form 12 and also obtain the signatures of such of the polling agents w ho are present and are willing to affix their signatures. He shall repeat this process as and when another ballot box is prepared for use. At the end of the poll, a further declaration in Part II of Form 12 shall be recorded in the same manner.(7)Before the polling station is opened for the recording of voles, the Presiding Officer shall read the relevant provision of the Act relating to the maintenance of secrecy of elections to such persons as may be present and shall also explain the substance thereof in Tamil.
