(1) Every elector on receiving his ballot paper sent under rule 22, if he desires to vote at the election, shall record his vote thereon and sign the declaration on its back in accordance with the instructions set out on the ballot paper.
(2) The elector shall place the ballot paper in the envelope, close the envelope and enclose it with the cover and send the cover by post or messenger to the Returning Officer in accordance with the instructions aforesaid so as to reach him before 5 p.m. on the date fixed, in this behalf under rule 12. Any cover which is not received by the Returning Officer before 5 p.m.
on the date so fixed shall be rejected. All such rejected covers shall be kept in a separate sealed packet by the Returning Officer, and a list thereof shall be prepared.
24. An elector should obtain the attestation of his signature but not of his vote on the ballot paper by a gazetted officer ' of the State or Union Government.