As early voting approaches in Ohio, Boards of Elections across the state are navigating new rules surrounding ballot drop boxes. A recent directive from Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose has introduced changes that impact who can deliver vote-by-mail ballots to drop boxes, along with additional steps required if someone is submitting a ballot on behalf of another person.
LaRose’s directive follows a recent court decision that he believes opened a potential loophole for “ballot harvesting,” the practice of collecting and delivering multiple ballots, which is illegal in Ohio. LaRose explained, “If you’re returning your own ballot to the Board of Elections, that’s fine. But if you’re returning a ballot for a family member or assisting a disabled voter, you’ll need to bring it inside, sign a form, and ensure the process follows the law.”
This adjustment comes as the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections prepares for the influx of early voters. In previous election cycles, the Board has employed bipartisan teams to collect ballots from voters in their vehicles, which helped alleviate congestion around the Board of Elections. On Monday, the Board voted to continue this practice, with workers provided the necessary forms for those dropping off ballots for others. However, there was uncertainty about whether this approach would comply with the new directive.
“We’re awaiting clarification from the Secretary of State’s office on what steps we can take,” said Anthony Perlatti, Director of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
Secretary LaRose confirmed that drive-thru ballot drop-offs, as planned by Cuyahoga County, would be allowed under the new guidelines. “As long as these stations are staffed by bipartisan election officials, they can collect ballots in a drive-thru format, and voters can sign the necessary paperwork from their cars without needing to enter the building,” LaRose said.
This assurance was welcomed by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. “It sounds like he is considering these factors, and we hope to get a quick resolution to any remaining questions,” Perlatti said.
The directive was issued in response to a court ruling that, according to LaRose, could open the door to illegal ballot harvesting. “While ballot harvesting is rare in Ohio, we take steps to keep it that way,” LaRose explained. “There’s an ongoing investigation in Summit County, and this is something that can happen across the political spectrum. We need rules in place to prevent it.”
Looking forward, LaRose has also urged the state legislature to consider eliminating drop boxes altogether, suggesting that Ohio’s mail-in voting process should strictly use the postal service. “The most convenient drop box is the one at the end of your driveway,” LaRose said, referring to voters’ home mailboxes. “For decades, the best way to return an absentee ballot has been to put a stamp on it and send it to your Board of Elections.”
While any changes to Ohio’s election laws won’t happen before the upcoming election, LaRose hinted that it may be something the legislature could revisit next year. “It’s worth examining whether the convenience of drop boxes outweighs any potential vulnerabilities,” he said, leaving the ultimate decision to state lawmakers.
With early voting just weeks away, Boards of Elections like Cuyahoga County are making preparations to ensure a smooth process for voters, while adapting to the new rules set forth by the Secretary of State’s office.