Ballot Drop Box FAQ

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• What is a ballot drop box and why are they there?

  A ballot drop box is a secure option for voters to safely deposit their mail ballot.

• How do I return my ballot using a ballot drop box?

  Mark your mail ballot, place it in its return envelope, then sign and date the envelope. Push the INSERT BALLOT HERE flap to deposit your completed mail ballot in any of the Registrar of Voters’ official ballot drop boxes located throughout San Diego County. Your signature is required for your ballot to be counted.

• What do ballot drop boxes look like?

  San Diego County’s ballot drop boxes are easy to recognize. They are red, white, and blue, display the Registrar of Voters logo, and are clearly labeled “Official Ballot Drop Box.”

• How many ballot drop box locations are there and where are they placed?

  The number of ballot drop boxes varies each election and is determined by the number of registered voters. In accordance with California election law, one ballot drop box is needed for every 15,000 registered voters.

  Ballot drop boxes are placed throughout the county in accessible public locations such as libraries, county parks, grocery stores, fire stations, and county health centers. They may be located indoors or outdoors, and some are permanently installed while others are temporarily installed for a specific election.

  View the complete list of official ballot drop box locations at sdvote.com. A list of locations is also provided in your Voter Information Pamphlet.

• When are temporarily installed ballot drop boxes installed and un-installed?

  Temporarily installed ballot drop boxes are typically deployed about two weeks prior to ballots going out to registered voters and are removed within weeks after the election, depending on operational scheduling. All ballot drop boxes remain securely locked before and after the official ballot collection period to ensure that no ballots are submitted outside the authorized voting timeframe.

• When do ballot drop boxes open for an election?

  Ballot drop boxes open 30 days before an election and close at 8 p.m. on election night, in accordance with California election law. 

• How often are ballots collected from ballot drop boxes?

  Ballots placed in drop boxes are collected on a regular basis throughout the voting period, with collection frequency increasing as Election Day approaches. Pickup intervals may be adjusted depending on usage.

• Who is authorized to collect ballots from the drop boxes?

  Only the Registrar of Voters’ Ballot Retrieval Teams are authorized to collect and transport ballots, ensuring a secure chain of custody from the ballot drop box to the election office. All Ballot Retrieval Team members undergo a background check before being hired and trained.

• How do I know if my ballot was received and counted?

  You can look up your voting record at sdvote.com. While there, sign up for Where’s My Ballot to track your mail ballot. This will notify you when your ballot is mailed, received, and counted by the Registrar of Voters.   

• Is the ballot drop box secure?

  The boxes include dual locking mechanisms, anti‑tampering protections, reinforced pry‑resistant features, and a fire‑suppression system to ensure ballots remain secure once deposited.

  During elections, when ballots are placed in drop boxes, we apply a tamper‑evident seal to each box.  We verify that the seal number matches our chain‑of‑custody log and document each step to ensure the integrity and transparency of the ballot‑handling process.

• What will happen to my ballot if there is inclement weather after I dropped it off in a ballot drop box?

  San Diego County’s ballot drop boxes are weatherproof to ensure ballots remain secure in all weather conditions.

• Are ballot drop boxes in every city of San Diego County?

  San Diego County ensures that each municipality has at least one official ballot drop box. The total number of drop boxes is determined by the number of registered voters in each municipality and voter demand.

• Can I drop off my ballot at any drop box in the county?

  You may use any ballot drop box in San Diego County to return your ballot. 

• Are ballot drop boxes accessible for voters with disabilities?

  Yes, ballot drop boxes are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, offering one-hand delivery at ADA height. The Registrar of Voters conducts an accessibility survey for all potential ballot drop box sites to ensure accessibility.

• Are ballot drop boxes monitored or inspected regularly?

  During an election, the Registrar of Voters regularly monitors and inspects each location to ensure security and proper operation. For permanently installed drop boxes, when no election is underway, they remain securely locked and are inspected on a reduced schedule.