Bill Proposes Increased Security For Ballot Boxes

Currently under consideration at the Legislature is a bill intended to increase security for election ballot drop boxes. Legislative Bill (LB1263), introduced by Senator Robert Clements (District 2) of Elmwood, would establish statewide standards for counties that employ ballot drop boxes.Under the bill, drop boxes would be required to be:Securely fastened to the ground or on a concrete slab connected to the ground;Secured with a lock that can be opened only by the county election commissioner, county clerk or an election official designated by the commissioner or clerk;Americans with Disabilities Act compliant;Emptied each business day; andOpened for accepting ballots no later than the sixth Friday before a statewide election or the fourth Friday before a special election.The bill was heard at a hearing on Wednesday, February 2. According to Wayne Bena, deputy secretary of state for elections, all county election commissioners were provided with drop boxes for the 2020 primary election but the department currently lacks authority to regulate their use. Bena testified in support of the bill, “Not to say, necessarily, that there’s something wrong right now, but if you want to replace a drop box, you’re not just going to buy a cheap one that’s not going to be secure.”There is currently a drop box outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Fairbury. FJN contacted Kristina Riggle, Jefferson County Clerk and Election Commissioner, and asked if that box was compliant with the proposed regulations. Riggle indicated:Our drop box is secured to the concrete by the west courthouse basement door.Only the Clerk’s office has access to the drop box.The box is located at our handicap entrance to the courthouse.It is emptied once a day and sometimes more frequently during peak election times.The drop box is open year round for anyone wishing to leave something to be distributed to the appropriate office within the courthouse.

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