All election returns, including poll lists, statements, tally sheets, absent voters' return envelopes bearing the statement required by section 761, absent voters' records required by section 760, and other returns made by the election inspectors of the several precincts must be carefully preserved and may be destroyed after the expiration of 22 months following the primary or election at which the same were used. All applications executed under section 523, all voter registration applications executed by applicants under section 497(3) and (4), and all absent voters' applications must be carefully preserved and may be destroyed after the expiration of 6 years following the primary or election at which those applications were executed. All ballots used at any primary or election, other than ballots containing a federal office, may be destroyed after 30 days following the final determination of the board of canvassers with respect to the primary or election unless a petition for recount has been filed and not completed or unless the destruction of the ballots is stayed by an order of a court. All ballots containing a federal office, and all presidential primary ballot selection forms, may be destroyed after the expiration of 22 months following the primary or election at which those ballots were cast or forms were used.