(a) After the vote upon a ballot has been announced, the ballot shall be preserved according to one of the following methods:
(1) String the ballots closely upon a flexible wire or cord and unite or tie securely the ends of such wire or cord.
(2) Fasten the ballots that are counted in metal clamps or fasteners of a type which has had the prior approval of the secretary of state.
(3) The secretary of state may prescribe any other system of preserving ballots so long as such system will maintain the ballots in good condition and secure.
(b) Ballots marked "blank," "void" or "objected to" shall not be strung or fastened with other ballots.