DeKalb elections board authorizes removal of one absentee drop box but allows restoration if voter count rises

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections voted to authorize staff to remove one early absentee drop box after staff said the county’s active registered voter count fell below the threshold that determines the number of allowed drop boxes.

Executive Director Smith told the board that staff numbers showed active registered voters under the 500,000 threshold at the time of the meeting, which, under state allocation rules, reduced the county’s entitlement by one box. She explained the county’s policy of accepting absentee ballots at every early voting site would remain unchanged and that staff would restore the Memorial Drive drop box if the active voter total rose above 500,000 before early voting began.

The board approved a motion authorizing the department to remove the box but also to restore the Memorial Drive location if the active voter count rose above 500,000. Board members asked staff about the selection method for retained locations, secure handling of portable containers, nightly collection procedures and the potential cost of operational changes. Staff said absentee containers and portable bags are collected nightly by two poll officials and that camera coverage exists at high‑volume locations.

Action and procedure Board members voted to remove the single box in accordance with state law but added language allowing staff to restore the box should the active voter count increase above 500,000 before early voting. Staff said the drop box locations recommended for the five‑box scenario were Berean, Dunwoody, Beulah Missionary Baptist, Salem Panola and Tucker Reed; Memorial Drive would be restored if the active voter count rose to the statutory threshold.

What staff reported In the director’s report staff provided registration totals, list maintenance updates and a summary of returned‑mail processing. The office reported poll worker staffing is largely complete and that training for early voting would begin soon. Staff said absentee ballot applications could be requested through Oct. 24 and that ballot proofing will begin once the state builds the county’s election project.

Next steps Staff will remove the designated drop box, notify affected parties and monitor registration totals; if the active voter total rises to 500,000 before early voting, staff will re‑establish the Memorial Drive drop box as authorized by the motion.

Ending The board approved the motion unanimously and continued with the agenda.