No one may open or otherwise review any ballot prior to the time and place at which the ballots are counted and tabulated. Ballots must be opened and counted in public at a properly noticed open meeting. Civil Code §1363.03(f). Even though the statute refers to "ballots" it means the two envelopes holding the ballots. The envelopes may not be opened until the meeting.

Pre-Registration. The inspector of elections (or his/her designee), may verify the member's information and signature on the outer envelope prior to the meeting at which ballots are tabulated.