71. (1) At the time fixed for the close of the poll the presiding officer shall take steps to ensure that no further European electors are admitted to the polling station, but any elector on the premises at that time shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be entitled to receive a ballot paper and to vote.

(2) As soon as practicable after the close of the poll, the presiding officer shall seal each ballot box in his or her charge so that no further ballot papers can be inserted therein and shall attach the key thereto and seal up in separate packets —

(a) the unused and spoilt ballot papers, placed together,

(b) the marked copies of the register of European electors,

(c) the counterfoils of the ballot papers,

(d) a ballot paper account in such form as may be directed by the Minister made out by the presiding officer and a statement prepared in accordance with rule 65(2),

(e) any authorisations given by the local returning officer under rule 60 or 61 authorising persons to vote at the polling station, and any undertakings by a personation agent to prove that a person has committed personation, or an offence under rule 102, and

(f) the marking instruments, unused stationery and other documents and materials relating to the European election,

and shall deliver all such ballot boxes and packets to the local returning officer.

(3) The local returning officer shall make adequate arrangements for the safe custody of the ballot boxes delivered in pursuance of this rule and of all documents connected with the poll.