Originally posted at the Washington Post by Rebecca Tan
Elections officials in the D.C. area are moving quickly to boost the number of ballot drop boxes for the coming election, aiming to expand socially distanced voting options amid the coronavirus pandemic and an assault on mail voting by President Trump.
The Montgomery County Board of Elections has asked Maryland to approve a plan that calls for 40 drop boxes, up from two or three in a normal year. Prince George’s County requested 36 additional secure drop boxes from the state last week. There will be at least 50 ballot drop-box locations scattered throughout the District starting in early October, with at least five drop sites per ward, according to the D.C. Board of Elections.
And Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) has proposed allowing localities to set up drop boxes in his state, as well.