GOP Secretary of State Candidates Vow to Eliminate Drop Boxes, Going Against Local Election Officials

GOP Secretary of State Candidates Vow to Eliminate Drop Boxes, Going Against Local Election Officials

April 27, 2026

COLUMBUS, OH - While local election officials are making clear the importance of drop boxes in ensuring that Ohioans are able to cast their ballot in Ohio's safe and secure elections, Republican candidates for Secretary of State are doubling down on their vow to eliminate drop boxes and make it even harder to vote. Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague even released a new ad vowing to "ditch the drop boxes" that so many Ohioans rely on to vote.

"Drop boxes are a safe and secure part of Ohio's elections and they're a critical way for Ohioans to be able to drop off their ballot and exercise their right to vote," said Ohio Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Clyde. "Ohioans deserve a Secretary of State who will ensure that in Ohio's elections, every eligible voter is able to cast their ballot free from barriers - not partisan politicians like the Republican candidates for Secretary of State who spread election conspiracies, tout repeatedly disproven misinformation, and are willing to go against the recommendations of local election officials to disenfranchise voters."

This follows Republican candidates for Secretary of State recently trumpeting false claims of widespread voter fraud and refusing to admit the results of the 2020 presidential election.

While Republican candidates for Secretary of State vow to eliminate drop boxes, read more from Cleveland.com about what local election officials are saying about the importance of drop boxes:

• "I know (the drop box) works out for some people who work during the day. If they need to come when our office is closed, they have the ability to drive right up and insert it into the drop box." -Dante Lewis, director of the Lake County Board of Elections.
• "I'm a big advocate for drop boxes. I think we should have more drop boxes than less." -Tony Perlatti, Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

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