ballotbox

A ballot box is a container used to collect ballots during an election. It is designed to securely store paper ballots from voters until the ballots are counted. Ballot boxes can be made from wood, metal, or clear plastic and typically feature a slot for inserting ballots and a sealed lid or lock to prevent tampering. They are usually kept locked when not in use and are subject to custody procedures to preserve the integrity of the voting process.

In common use, ballots are deposited into the box at polling places on or before a designated closing time. After polls close, authorized election officials remove the ballots from the boxes and transport them to a counting or tabulation facility where the votes are recorded according to statutory procedures. Some jurisdictions use transparent ballot boxes to facilitate observation by voters and observers, while others rely on opaque containers with seals. Ballot boxes may be made portable for use in temporary polling sites or installed as fixed fixtures at voting locations.

Variants include ballot drop boxes, which are secure external receptacles placed at accessible locations for voters to return mailed or early ballots. Drop boxes are typically monitored by election staff or law enforcement and protected by weather-resistant construction and tamper-evident seals. Ballot collection and handling are governed by legal requirements for chain of custody, observation, and audit procedures to deter and detect fraud.

Security and integrity concerns, such as ballot box stuffing or seal tampering, have historically prompted emphasis on proper custody, transparent processes, and independent monitoring to maintain public confidence in elections.