Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 1360 - Department of State
Subtitle 1360-02 - Elections
Chapter 1360-02-05 - Duties of County Election Commission
Section 1360-02-05-.05 - BALLOT BOXES

(1) Each election commission using the punch card voting machines shall provide to each precinct in the county a metal ballot box capable of being locked. The ballot box shall be equipped with an unlocked padlock and a plastic padlock seal. No two locks shall be opened by the same key and the keys shall be retained by the county election commission in a safe locked place inaccessible to any except the county election commission; provided, however, that the election commission may use a master key at the election counting center under appropriate safeguards.

(2) Each officer of election shall be admonished not to lock the ballot box until just prior to the opening of the polls and not before it has been emptied in the sight of all persons present just prior to opening the polls and not before it has been examined by all persons present. Thereupon each officer shall be instructed to lock and seal the ballot box. The ballot box shall not be opened by any person at any time during the day and shall be opened only at the counting center after the closing of the polls and only by the processing board or the reception board.

(3) The election commission shall provide with each ballot box a cover made of cardboard, or metal which shall lay over the top of the ballot box at all times when a voter is not depositing a ballot therein. Such cover shall be of light material and easily movable by the judge or judges of election responsible for the care or oversight of the ballot box.