POLYAS Election Glossary

We provide explanations and background information on elections, voting rights and digital democracy

Ballot Box

A ballot box is a closed and sealed container into which voters deposit their ballot papers. Ballot boxes have small slots on top  which are big enough to accept ballot papers from voters but which prevent vote tampering.  These ballot boxes are set up at polling places during elections.

Once polls have closed after the election, the ballot box is usually opened in public and counted by election volunteers.

In general, each city, local authority, province or state can decide on its own regulations about ballot boxes and the security criteria for handling them. 

See also: Ballot Box Election, Polling Place, Ballot Paper, Sealing the Ballot Box


< Go back