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Senate committee backs bill to bar unmanned absentee drop boxes, citing fraud and damage risks
Summary
Senate Bill 258 would restrict unmanned absentee ballot drop boxes; sponsor and Secretary of State election director argued drop boxes increase opportunities for fraud and ballot destruction, while other senators questioned differences from mail and urged secured/emergency exceptions. The committee passed the bill.
Sen. Tyler Deese (SD 35) presented Senate Bill 258, which would prohibit or tightly restrict unmanned absentee ballot drop boxes. Deese said the measure is meant to "shut the door" on potential ballot harvesting and other risks; Leslie Bellamy, director of elections for the Arkansas Secretary of State, testified the proposal helps place custody with the county clerk and cited several…
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