The board of elections shall cause to be printed in English in twelvepoint type on paper or cardboard instructions as issued by the secretary of state for the guidance of electors in marking their ballots. Such instructions shall inform the voters as to how to prepare the ballots for voting, how to obtain a new ballot in case of accidentally spoiling one, and, in a smaller type, a summary of the important sections of the penal law relating to crimes against the elective franchise. The precinct election officials shall cause to be posted immediately in front of or on the polling place and in each voting shelf one or more of such cards of instructions.