Each registrar of voters shall appoint one or more electors of the town, known to be persons of integrity, to count all absentee ballots. No spouse, parent, grandparent, child or sibling of a candidate may be appointed to count absentee ballots on which the name of such candidate appears. Unless absentee ballots are to be counted in the respective polling places pursuant to subsection (b) of § 9-147a, the registrars shall also jointly appoint a central counting moderator and alternate moderator pursuant to the requirements of § 9-229. No person shall print, publish, announce, or otherwise make known such count prior to the time for the closing of the polls.