Section 55. Whoever, with intent to defraud, alters a ballot cast at a primary, caucus or election; or, with such intent, deposits a ballot in the ballot box used at a primary, caucus or election, or in an envelope or container provided by law for the preservation of ballots cast at a primary, caucus or election; or, with such intent, removes a ballot from any such ballot box or envelope or container; shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than two and one half years.