Defacement of Unused Ballots

Immediately upon the closing of the polls, the members of the precinct board shall, in the presence of other authorized persons in the polling place who may desire to observe them, proceed to deface every unused ballot by writing the letter “X” across its face in ink or indelible pencil. The members of the precinct board shall thereupon immediately count and place all unused defaced ballots in an envelope endorsed “Unused Defaced Ballots” and seal the envelope. Each member of the precinct board shall then immediately sign their names across the sealed portion of the envelope and write thereon the total number of unused defaced ballots contained in the envelope. The envelope of unused defaced ballots shall be returned to the Election Return Center after the closing of the polls.