Northern Territory Consolidated Acts Northern Territory Consolidated Acts43. Ballot-boxes to be secured at close of polling
(1) The presiding officer of a polling place must at the close of polling, in the presence of any scrutineers that are in attendance -
(a) publicly close, fasten, seal and take charge of the ballot-box; and
(b) with the least possible delay, forward it to the place where the results of the referendum are to be determined.
(2) A ballot-box that has been closed, fastened and sealed in accordance with subsection (1) must, on no account, be opened except in accordance with this Act.
(3) If the determination of the results of the referendum is proceeded with immediately after the close of polling at the polling place at which the votes are taken, it is not necessary for the presiding officer to publicly close, fasten or seal the ballot-box as required by subsection (1).