States push to ban ballot drop boxes ahead of November election

As the November election approaches, several states and municipalities are moving to ban ballot drop boxes, citing concerns over election integrity. In Ohio, Secretary of State Frank LaRose issued a directive limiting who can return ballots to drop boxes, following a federal court ruling that partially struck down restrictions for disabled voters. Critics argue this directive imposes undue restrictions on absentee voting, potentially disenfranchising voters who rely on assistance. In Wisconsin, two municipalities, Brookfield and New Berlin, have opted to ban drop boxes after a recent Supreme Court ruling allowed their use again. The decision was made to save time and resources for election workers, who would otherwise need to manage security and maintenance of the drop boxes. This reflects a growing trend among local governments to prioritize efficiency over accessibility in the voting process. Wyoming's Secretary of State Chuck Gray has also taken a firm stance against drop boxes, rescinding previous directives that permitted their use. He argues that the Wyoming Election Code does not support unattended drop boxes for absentee ballots, emphasizing a belief that they compromise the security of the voting process. This decision aligns with a broader national conversation about the safety and integrity of voting methods. Overall, the push to eliminate ballot drop boxes highlights a significant divide in how states are approaching absentee voting and election security, with implications for voter access and participation in the upcoming election.