New Absentee/Early Voting Ballot Drop Box

By: Melanie Bloom - Email

Updated: Tue 4:45 AM, Oct 02, 2012

There is a new drop box for Lancaster County residents to turn in their early voting or absentee ballots.

The new drop box was officially unveiled on Monday morning. It is located in front of the Lancaster County Election Commissioner's Office on North 46th Street in Lincoln.

The drop box will allow the growing number of people who do absentee voting to turn it in during hours that are convenient for them.

"One of the things that I had heard from voters was that they'd come by here on the weekend or after we closed and they didn't have any way to drop off their absentee ballot," said Lancaster County Election Commissioner Dave Shively.

Election Commissioner Shively says that there are more people that are voting by absentee ballot because it is easier in a fast-paced and busy lifestyle. He said not everyone has time to go to the polls and some people can't leave their homes. He says it is also convenient for people who travel often.

In the 2008 election, 25-percent of the votes that were cast in Lancaster County were absentee ballots. Shively says that number is likely growing and will be higher in the 2012 election.

The drop box is located right on the curb, so anyone wanting to turn in a ballot can stay in their car.

Shively says that it is important to remember to sign the ballot envelope. The ballot will not count unless it is signed.

The deadline to register to vote is October 26th.

The last ballots will be picked up at 8 p.m., when the polls close, on election night.