Central counting of absentee ballots; designation of location by registrars of voters. Exception for counting in respective polling places.

(b) At any election, primary or referendum, all absentee ballots may be counted in the manner provided in section 9-150a in the respective polling places if the registrars of voters agree that such absentee ballots should be so counted. If unaffiliated electors are authorized under section 9-431 to vote in the primary of either of two parties, absentee ballots may be counted in the respective polling places if the parties agree that such absentee ballots should be so counted. Any election official serving in a polling place may observe the counting of absentee ballots at such polling place, provided no candidate for election or nomination shall be allowed within such polling place during the hours of voting for any purpose other than casting such candidate's vote and no such candidate shall be allowed to participate in such counting, except (1) a municipal clerk or registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the same office, and (2) a deputy registrar of voters, who is a candidate for the office of registrar of voters, performing such official's duties.