## Opening of Polls and Casting of Ballots 

## ARTICLE VIII 

S ECTION 543 . Hours During which Polls shall be Open.  — At all the elections held under the provisions of this chapter the polls shall be open from seven o'clock in the morning until six in the afternoon, during which period not more than one member of the board of inspectors shall be absent at one time, and then for not to exceed twenty minutes at one time. TASCEc 

[1582-21; 2045-11.] 

If it should become necessary to make room for more ballots the chairman may open the box in the presence of all the board and press down the ballots with his hands without removing any therefrom; he shall then close, lock and seal the box, as hereinafter provided. In case of the destruction of the boxes or the failure to deliver them at the polling place, the board of inspectors shall immediately provide other boxes or receptacles as nearly as possible adequate for the purposes for which intended. 

[1582-21.] 

S ECTION 544 . Formalities Incident to Opening of Polls and Conduct of Election. — The inspectors of election and poll clerks shall meet one-half hour before the time fixed for the opening of the polls at the place designated, and shall then and there have t he ballot box, box for spoiled ballots, the ballots and all other supplies provided by law. At the opening of the polls the ballot box and box for spoiled ballots shall be opened by the chairman, emptied and exhibited to all the members and other voters pr esent, and, being empty, shall be closed, locked, and a seal placed over the lock, and the boxes shall be kept closed and sealed until the polls are closed, when the ballot box shall be opened to count the votes. TASCEc 

[1582-21.] 

S ECTION 545 . Persons Allowed in and Around Polling Place.  — While the polls are open no person other than members of the board of inspectors, poll clerk, or necessary police, Constabulary, or other peace officer who may be present at the request of the boa rd to execute its orders, or to serve the process of a court, or to act as messenger, and voters receiving or depositing their ballots, shall be allowed within the guard rail in the polling place. 

No persons other than the persons mentioned above and voters waiting to vote or voting shall remain, during the time the polls are open, within the distance 

