From Boards.ie member ‘Someone Else’ in Cork North West (Polling station: Scoil Eoin, Ballincollig)

“Went to vote at about 10.55 this morning, noted the girls on desk were not only marking off names but also keeping a record of number of voters.

I was the 65th this morning at this particular station.

I also noted fancy new plastic boxes that looked more like a shredder than a ballot box……

Voted dropped in my paper and next of all my 4-year-old lifts lid (of box, above) and we can see all of the previous ballots.
Was leaving and thought about it, got the Garda and went back and showed him.
Of course excuses followed and sure it was grand and he would say it to the presiding officer. As I was leaving the other ballot boxes in the other rooms appeared only to have common everyday cable ties on them.

I spotted a guy sitting in the hallway of the school (each station is in a different classroom) asked if he was the presiding officer and he acknowledged.
I explained to him the problem, he didn’t even get off his seat. (11.00am) I then left, the more I thought about the excuses and lack of urgency really gets me!!
I’m F**ing angry now…..Any thoughts on what to do next?

59. Immediately before the commencement of the poll the presiding officer at each polling station shall show each ballot box in his or her charge to such persons as are present in the station, so that they may see that it is empty, and shall then lock the box and seal it in such manner as to prevent its being opened without breaking the seal and shall place it in his or her view for the receipt of ballot papers, and keep it so locked, sealed and in view during the poll. (Local Elections Regulations, 1995)