OC Registrar ballot drop box comes to LW
NEW VOTING OPTIONS IN LW
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Aug. 25, the GRF Board of Directors approved a measure to allow the Orange County Registrar of Voters to install a permanent Ballot Drop Box for the convenience of voters within the LWSB community.
The Drop Box will be installed today, Sept. 3, near the bus stop at the Amphitheater, next to the U.S. Mailbox. It is accessible via drive-through and walk-up and for those in mobility vehicles. The following answers to frequently asked questions are provided by the OC Registrar’s Office.
What is a Ballot Drop Box?
• A Ballot Drop Box is a secure and locked receptacle where a voter can drop off their vote-by-mail ballot in the same manner they would at a mailbox. Ballots will only be picked up by election officials from the Registrar of Voters.
Why are Ballot Drop Boxes being installed?
In 2016, California legislation passed SB 450 also known as the Voter’s Choice Act. This allows counties to provide voters more options on how, when and where they cast their ballots during an election. In February 2019, the County Board of Supervisors voted to enact the Voter’s Choice Act in Orange County. Starting in 2020, all OC voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot. Voters will be able to mail in their ballots (no postage necessary), drop them off at any Vote Center located within the County, or place them inside a secure Ballot Drop Box. These options offer more flexibility, access and convenience when casting their vote.
• What responsibility does the host location have after the Ballot Drop Box is installed?
The Ballot Drop Box installation, upkeep and maintenance will be the sole responsibility of the county. With the controversy this election cycle concerning mail-in voting, GRF believes the convenience, coupled with the security of the Drop Box, will enhance voting choices, especially since voting in clubhouses is not an option. OCRV representatives will pick up ballots every two days and deliver them directly to its facility, expediting the direct receipt of ballots. As an additional voting choice for in-person voters, the GRF will host a one-day Voting Popup Center on Oct. 30 at the circle between Clubhouses 3 and 4. Ballots are scheduled to be mailed on Oct. 1.
For additional information, contact the Recreation Department at kathyt@lwsb.com.
