Press Release: Clarifying the Use and Security of Mail Ballot Drop Boxes in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – As Pennsylvania gears up for upcoming elections, the debate over mail ballot drop boxes remains a hot topic. While some public figures, including former President Donald Trump, have suggested banning these drop boxes, they remain legal and have been upheld by state and federal courts since their introduction amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Drop boxes provide a secure alternative for voters to submit their mail ballots, ensuring they reach county election offices by the 8 p.m. Election Day deadline without delays from the postal system. Critics of drop boxes argue without explicit mentions in state election law, their legality is uncertain. However, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court affirmed their use, emphasizing the intent of Act 77, which aimed to increase voting access.
Currently, 34 counties in Pennsylvania utilize drop boxes, while 33 do not. Variance in implementation means some counties, such as Philadelphia, have multiple drop boxes and satellite election offices, while others, like Lancaster, do not. Voters can only return ballots using drop boxes within their own county, and each voter may submit only their own ballot—exceptions are made for those with disabilities through designated designees.
Guidelines from the Pennsylvania Department of State outline security measures for drop boxes, requiring features such as tamper-evident seals and continuous monitoring. Drop boxes may operate 24 hours, although availability can vary by county.
As the election approaches, voters are encouraged to check whether their county has mail ballot drop boxes and to be informed about returning ballots securely to ensure their votes are counted. For exact details, voters can visit vote.pa.
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