Secretary Fontes Corrects the Record on Ballot Drop Boxes

PHOENIX - In response to misinformation regarding the longstanding use of ballot drop boxes, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes emphasized the importance of this secure method for collecting early ballots in counties across Arizona.

“As Secretary of State, I am committed to ensuring that every eligible Arizona voter can cast their ballot by the lawful method of their choice,” Secretary Fontes said. “Ballot boxes are a safe, secure and accessible option to vote early in counties through our state, and have been approved for use by officials from across the political spectrum. On behalf of all Arizonans, I pledge to vigorously fight against any attempt to take away a voter’s right to use a ballot drop box, or any other approved voting method.”

In use in Yavapai County for nearly two decades, drop boxes have become an increasingly popular way for voters to ensure that their ballots are submitted and counted. Drop boxes were permitted for statewide use with the adoption of the 2019 Elections Procedures Manual, which was approved by former Attorney General Mark Brnovich and former Governor Doug Ducey, both Republicans.

Since drop boxes are a method for collecting early ballots, state law gives the Secretary authority to set rules and procedures for their use. Drop boxes also align with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and provide a reasonable accommodation for voters with a disability.

Unfounded allegations that drop boxes have been connected with the practice of ballot harvesting, or that they are less secure than U.S Postal Service mailboxes, have been consistently debunked, even by members of the conservative Cato Institute.

Drop boxes are locked securely, and anyone who removes or destroys a voted ballot is subject to prosecution as a felony under state law. Additionally, in counties such as Yavapai and Maricopa where drop boxes have long been in use, ballot couriers who are responsible for emptying every ballot drop box daily during an election cycle are part of bipartisan teams.   

Ballot drop boxes are allowed and broadly accessible in 29 states, including Arizona, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a nonprofit, independent think tank.