Montco To Install 11 Ballot Drop-Off Boxes For Primary Election

NORRISTOWN, PA — With the pandemic continuing and mail-in voting continuing to be a popular option, there will be 11 ballot drop-off boxes installed around Montgomery County ahead of the 2021 primary election, officials announced on Monday.

The secure boxes will be open to receive completed ballots starting Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. Montgomery County sheriff's deputies will take the ballots to the Voter Services office each day.

"We want to continue to make voting accessible, secure, and convenient for all of our residents by offering several options to cast their vote - by mail, in person on Election Day or through a satellite office," Montgomery County Commissioner Ken Lawrence said.

The drop boxes were a key fixture first in the 2020 primaries and then again in the general election last fall. The county ran 11 boxes ahead of the Nov. 2020 election, noting that they made it easier to return ballots and also helped relieve the burden on the US Postal Service.

RELATED: Pennsylvania Primary Election Guide 2021: What You Need To Know

Lawrence said that this primary was unique because of the questions on the ballot, which can be voted on regardless of political affiliation. This is part of what is continuing to drive mail-in voting, along with the ongoing pandemic.

Across Pennsylvania, more than 660,000 voters already have applied for mail-in ballots for the 2021 primary election, and another 25,000 voters applied for absentee ballots, as of April 19.

Here's the full list of ballot drop boxes opening May 1:

• Cheltenham Township Tax Office, 8230 Old York Road, Elkins Park
• Lansdale District Court 38-1-28430, Pennbrook Parkway, Lansdale
• Lower Merion Ludington Library, 5 South Bryn Mawr Ave, Bryn Mawr
• Montgomery County Airy Street Parking Lot, Corner of Airy and DeKalb Streets, Norristown
• Montgomery County Community College - South Hall, 101 College Drive, Pottstown
• Royersford Victory Park Parking Lot, 2nd & Arch Street, Royersford
• Montgomery County 4H Center, 1015 Bridge Road, Collegeville
• Upper Dublin Library, 520 Virginia Drive, Fort Washington
• Green Lane Park Office, 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane
• Upper Merion Township Building, 175 W. Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
• Willow Grove Annex, 102 N York Road, Willow Grove

Ballots can also be dropped off at Voter Services Satellite Offices. Voters can also register to vote and receive a mail-in ballot at these locations, when open.

The deadline to register to vote is May 3. The deadline to return your mail-in ballot is May 11. To apply for a mail-in ballot online, see the Pennsylvania Department of State page here.