18(1)Immediately before the commencement of the poll, the presiding officer must—
(a)show each ballot box proposed to be used for the purposes of the poll to such persons (if any) who are present in the polling station so that they may see that each box is empty,
(b)place the presiding officer’s seal on each box in such a manner as to prevent it being opened without breaking the seal,
(c)allow any referendum agent or polling agent present who wishes to affix the agent’s seal to do so, and
(d)place each box in the presiding officer’s view for the receipt of ballot papers.
(2)The presiding officer must ensure that each box remains sealed until the close of the poll.