Ballot box design is of considerably varied nature, including:
• clear high density plastic construction (allowing highly visible proof that the ballots are not being tampered with);
• metal;
• other durable plastic construction;
• lightweight, disposable ballot boxes made of corrugated cardboard or, for multiple day use, corrugated plastic sheet;
• acceptable to all stakeholders including contesting political parties and voters. For example transparent ballot boxes may be necessary in some countries, whereas in others disposable ballot boxes may not be acceptable.
• the size of the ballot box taking into an account the number of estimated voters. In a highly conflicted environment it may be necessary to have one large ballot box sufficient to contain all estimated voters to avoid increasing tension due to mistrust between the participating stakeholders including voters, political party poll watchers and national observers.
• the maximum number of voters to be processed in a voting station (and hence the number of ballots) and ballot size.
• ensure that once the ballot box has been sealed, ballots cannot be removed from the ballot box without breaking security seals or locks.
• when folded in the correct manner, pass easily through the insertion slot .Some designs include a lockable slide to seal the ballot paper insertion slot; this more expensive option may provide no more security than covering the slot at close of voting with security tape.
• size - the weight of the construction material can mitigate larger size ballot boxes made of durable materials; no such restriction applies to cardboard ballot boxes.
These can be produced in a range of sizes, from the very compact and easily portable (for use by mobile voting stations) to large floor standing models that allow a single ballot box to be used for voting stations servicing large numbers of voters.
Appropriate Materials
The effectiveness of ballot boxes is not necessarily in the strength of the material or the size of the lock. Lightweight cardboard ballot boxes when sealed properly offer no less security or transparency than those made of durable materials. When considering their lower transport costs, negligible storage and maintenance costs, and flexibility as to size, they are more cost-effective.
They may not be suitable for some environments, however, particularly in wet or very humid conditions (though similarly lightweight, disposable corrugated plastic ballot boxes can be).
Durable Ballot Boxes
Where durable ballot boxes are used, proper maintenance is important:
• in ensuring that they are all retrieved from voting stations;
• that regular stock takes are undertaken;
• that they are regularly inspected in storage;
• necessary repairs are made or replacements obtained.
Ballot Box Quantities
Quantities of ballot boxes required at each voting station will depend on a number of factors in the legal and procedural framework.
Significant amongst these are:
• the number of voters expected;
• the size of the ballot paper;
• the capacity of the ballot box;
• the number of different ballot papers to be completed or separate elections being held simultaneously;
• whether the voting station is split into different polling streams for different polling subdivisions.
A general rule is to:
• keep the number of ballot boxes to be dealt with at a voting station to a minimum as the most practicable course;
• have separate ballot boxes for each voting subdivision where there are different polling subdivision voting streams in one voting station, to allow effective reconciliations of voting materials;
• have separate ballot boxes where simultaneous elections are being held. While this has no real bearing on integrity, it can save time at the start of the counting process. Where voter numbers are low, a single ballot box can be used.
Unique Identification of Ballot Boxes
Where ballots are to be transported to separate counting centers, it is essential that unique identification codes be clearly marked on each ballot box and recorded before delivery to the voting station.
This unique coding can also be necessary when counting takes place at the voting station, especially if otherwise unidentified ballot boxes are used for different elections or voting subdivisions ballots in the voting station.
Seals for Ballot Boxes
Tamper-proof sealing of ballot boxes is one of the basic guarantees of voting integrity. Ballot boxes must be sealed from the commencement of voting through to their opening, after the close of voting, for removal of ballot boxes for the count.
Where ballot boxes are also used as the container for transporting accountable materials to the voting station and from the count back to the electoral management body, they will also need to be sealed for these shipments.
The following methods of sealing can be considered:
• One method of sealing ballot boxes is a uniquely numbered keyed lock or locks. It is appropriate to seal, with a paper seal, wax, or some other method, over the keyhole of each lock when it is affixed to the ballot box.
• Another method is uniquely numbered plastic or nylon security tied seals. Numbered plastic security tied seals are effective and generally more practicable.
• Assembly joins may be further secured by the use of security tape where disposable ballot boxes are used.
Whether plastic security ties or traditional locks are used, these are liable items that need to be maintained securely. To ensure the integrity of the process accurately record their use on each ballot box used in voting stations.
The quantities of seals required will depend on the number and design of ballot boxes. Sufficient seals should be on hand in each voting station to cover all sealing points for all required and re-sealing of the boxes.
• Durable ballot boxes normally have two sealing points, on a hinged lid and on a sealing slide on the slot.
• Designs for disposable ballot boxes of two-piece construction (separate lid) normally have four sealing points (at each top corner).
• Single piece constructions (fold-down lid) have two sealing points.
