Ballot Collection FAQ

Drop boxes are a secure, convenient way for voters to return their ballot. There are 22 ballot drop boxes in Whatcom County. It’s the most direct way to return your ballot. 


Are ballot drop boxes secure?

Yes. Drop boxes are a secure, convenient way for voters to return their ballot.

They are open starting 20 days before the election and are closed promptly at 8:00 pm on election day. Ballots are collected frequently throughout the voting period. They are securely locked and closed with tamper-evident seals. Two employees who have taken an oath to uphold election integrity must be present at all times for ballot collection. 

Ballots are transported directly to the election center in sealed containers.


How do you know the drop boxes haven't been tampered with?

Along with the affixed locking mechanism, 2 tamper evident seals are applied to the drop box. Collection teams verify that the seal numbers on the box match the numbers recorded on the seal log. Any ballots collected from a box that appears to be tampered with must be sequestered and presented to Canvassing Board.


Is it safe to mail my ballot using the USPS postal service?

Yes. You should feel confident to return your ballot in the mail. Postal carriers are reliable, unbiased professionals who handle ballots with the utmost integrity. Your ballot is treated as 1st Class mail. It’s postage-paid. No need to apply a stamp.


Can I hand my ballot directly to an election worker?

Ballot drop boxes bypass the USPS mail. You can deliver your ballot directly to election workers via a ballot drop box. We have 22 ballot drop box locations in Whatcom County. Ballot drop boxes are collected by professional nonpartisan election workers. If you come to the office, you will be directed to the official ballot drop box to deposit your ballot.

We offer in-person assistance, but Washington State no longer has polling places. Washington State became a vote by mail state in 2011. Counties no longer have voting machines on which you cast your vote. Anyone who comes to the election center to vote in-person will be handed another copy of the same ballot previously mailed. We suggest only traveling to the Voting Center if you need to register to vote or you don't have a ballot.