Committee hears SB 5011 to require warning labels on ballot drop boxes; Secretary of State backs measure, local costs noted
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Summary
Senate Bill 5011 would require visible messages on ballot drop boxes declaring county ownership and warning that tampering may violate state and federal election laws. The Secretary of State's office supports the bill; staff estimated replacement wrappers at about $1,000 per box and roughly $545,000 statewide (count estimate 545–560 boxes).
Senate Bill 5011, which would require ballot drop boxes to display prominent messages indicating county ownership and warning that tampering may violate state law and federal election laws, received a public hearing before the Senate State Government, Tribal Affairs and Elections Committee on Jan. 17.
Sponsor Senator Jeff Wilson said the measure responds to attacks on drop boxes during the 2024 election cycle and is intended to remind the public that ballot boxes are public property and that tampering carries criminal consequences. William (committee staff) summarized the bill and the fiscal note, saying the local fiscal estimate identified roughly 545 boxes (the Secretary of State’s office estimated the number may be higher, up to 560) and that replacing or installing new wrappers would cost about $1,000 per box, giving an estimated local cost of approximately $545,000. William said the Secretary of State’s office indicated a willingness to cover those costs in its fiscal planning, which is why the agency fiscal note shows as $0.
Brian Hatfield of the Secretary of State’s office testified in support and said county auditors did an “excellent job” responding to last year’s incidents and that drop boxes remain the preferred method for returning ballots in the state. Hatfield said the office expects costs and hoped reimbursement would be included in the state budget. He noted jurisdictions differ in existing labelling and box types.
Public testimony included Sharon Damoff in support, who said labeling is “a step in the right direction” that may deter casual vandalism though it would not stop a determined actor and suggested labels focus on sides with openings if cost is a concern. Committee members asked about standards and variability: Senator Wilson and others asked whether the Secretary of State has set consistent standards for how boxes are labeled or wrapped; staff and the Secretary of State said they would follow up with details, noting practices differ by county. The record shows 522 respondents to the public comment portal on the bill, with 494 pro and 17 con.
No committee vote was taken at the hearing; the bill remains in committee for further consideration and potential amendment.
