A new bill introduced in the Ohio Legislature could make the 2024 election the last time Ohioans see ballot drop-off boxes as an option for submitting absentee ballots. Republican Senator Theresa Gavarone is leading the charge, citing concerns about security vulnerabilities associated with the drop boxes, which have been available statewide.
The proposal seeks to remove the outdoor, free-standing ballot drop boxes currently in use. Senator Gavarone referenced a recent incident in Washington state where a fire was set inside a ballot drop box, damaging and potentially destroying ballots. “All I kept thinking was what if that happened in Ohio,” said Gavarone. She noted that while Ohio has not experienced a similar incident, the potential for harm remains. “It’s important that those ballots are protected. It’s a real concern, and we need to make sure no ballots are lost or destroyed,” she added.
Gavarone’s concerns extend beyond fire damage. She pointed out the risk of individuals tampering with the boxes by placing foreign objects, like garbage, inside them, which could compromise the integrity of the ballots within.