127. At the hour fixed for opening the poll, the presiding officer and poll clerk must, in the presence of the candidates, their agents and such of the electors as are present, open the ballot box and ascertain that there are no ballots or other papers therein. Thereupon the box shall be locked by the presiding officer, who shall keep the key thereof.
R. S. 1964, c. 235, s. 147.