Lancaster County sees growing use of early ballot drop boxes

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — More than 34,000 early voting ballots are starting to make their way to Lancaster County voters ahead of the November general election.

Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen said voters who have already submitted a valid early ballot request should receive their ballot by the end of the week.

Once voters complete their ballot, they can return it through the mail or use one of five secure drop boxes. Wiltgen said he has heard from voters who are hesitant to put their completed ballots in the mail and would rather drop them off themselves.

“That’s another common concern that I’ve heard,” Wiltgen said. “That’s why a few years ago we put out the drop boxes.”

One secure drop box is located at the Lancaster County Election Commission office, with four others at Lincoln libraries.

Wiltgen said the drop boxes are under video surveillance, secured in steel and concrete and emptied daily by election staff from different political parties. He said use of the drop boxes has increased as more voters have become aware of the option.

For voters who choose to return their ballot through the mail, Wiltgen recommends not waiting until the last minute.

“I know that the Postal Service talks about a two-day delivery for Lincoln. I wouldn’t chance that. I use the week,” Wiltgen said. “I start advising voters a week before the election that it’s too late to mail their ballots, that they should use a drop box.”

The Election Commission must receive early voting ballots by the time polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day. Having a ballot in the mail by Election Day is not enough to meet the deadline.

Voters who have not requested an early ballot still have time to do so.

“If you want to vote early, you know, make a plan,” Wiltgen said. “You can either come to the office, pick up a ballot. It’s not too late. You can still request a ballot be mailed to you.”

The deadline to request an early voting ballot by mail is Oct. 23. In-person early voting at the Lancaster County Election Commission office begins Oct. 5.

Wiltgen also reminds voters to sign the envelope that comes with their early ballot before returning it. He said forgetting to sign the envelope is one of the most common mistakes his office sees.