(1st Article of Law 2234, amended on 17 May 1979.) The chairman of the Polling Station Committee checks whether the ballot-box is empty, in the presence of Polling Station Committee members and observers before initiating the voting procedures, closes the ballot-box and seals the box so that the box cannot be opened without breaking the seal.

The elections where joint ballots are used, (joint ballots which are formed into an envelope by folding and sealing the glued edge) are regarded as envelope where the term 'envelope' is used in the provisions of this Law.

However, provisions related to double sealing of envelopes are not applied for joint ballots.

After completing the procedures including the oath, placement of ballot-boxes, organising voting booths; the Polling Station Committee counts joint ballots in the presence of participants, stamps the seal of the Polling Station Committee on each ballot and consequently determines the number of joint ballots with the seal of the Polling Station Committee. In elections where joint ballots are not used, the chairman of the Polling Station Committee counts the exclusive envelopes delivered by the chairman of the District Electoral Board with the seal of the District Electoral Board, stamps them all with the Polling Station Committee seal and consequently, determines the number of exclusive envelopes with two stamps, one of which is the stamp of the District Electoral Board whereas the other is the seal of the Polling Station Committee.

The Polling Station Committee notes the procedures on the minute book, according to this article and signs the book.