Batch Distributions. When directed by the board, the election director shall issue to each team a batch of returned ballots. Each batch shall consist of a controllable number of ballots (for example, 25). Verifying Timeliness. The team shall first verify timeliness by checking the date stamp on the return envelope. If the date stamp is missing, the team shall check the postmark on the return envelope. If the postmark is missing or illegible, the team shall check the date the voter signed the oath required by Election Law Article, §9-310, Annotated Code of Maryland. If a ballot's timeliness cannot be verified, the ballot shall be considered not timely received and the team shall refer the ballot to the board for rejection. Signature and Seal. The team shall verify that: The oath required by Election Law Article, §9-310, Annotated Code of Maryland, is signed; and The return envelope is sealed. If the oath is not signed or the return envelope is unsealed, the team shall refer the envelope to the local board. The team shall: Open each return envelope by any means that will not damage the contents; and Place the envelope with the mailing address face down on the table without removing the contents. Removing Ballots. After all the return envelopes in the batch have been opened and placed with the mailing address face down, the team shall remove the ballots from the return envelopes one at a time, taking care that each envelope remains face down. Certificates of Voter Assistance. The team shall remove any certificates of voter assistance and place them in separate stacks. Extra Ballots. The team shall make sure that not more than one ballot is in any return envelope. If a return envelope contains more than one ballot, the team shall refer the return envelope with all ballots to the local board. Setting Aside Envelopes. After all ballots have been removed from the envelopes in the batch, the team shall set aside the return envelopes.