Yuma County Recorder seeks San Luis drop box; council tables decision to review statute

Yuma County Recorder David Lara asked the San Luis City Council on March 25 to allow a ballot drop box on city property, proposing three locations in the City Hall parking area or the Cesar Chavez Cultural Center.

"I'm here today to request permission to set up in the specified location in the parking lot...to set up some drop boxes away from the entrance," David Lara said, describing spots that would be furthest from the entrance and better for drive‑through access.

City Clerk Sonia cautioned that a prior drop box at City Hall caused confusion because the night drop for utility payments is nearby, and recommended the cultural center as a clearer location. Lara said county requirements for drop boxes include cameras monitored by the county recorder's office and that library‑owned cameras did not meet the statute's requirements.

Council members said they support improving access for voters but wanted to ensure compliance and coordination. "The library is the most accessible one because it's access like through 24 hours, it's lighted, it's a drive‑thru," a council member said, while others echoed a preference for the cultural center if statutory or technical issues cannot be resolved.

After discussion the council voted to table the item so staff can study the applicable statute and seek input from the Yuma County Board of Supervisors; the motion carried. The recorder told the council the early‑voting windows would be: primary early voting June 24–July 20 and general election early voting October 7–November 2. Ballots from county drop boxes would be collected approximately two to three times per week, and more frequently in major elections.

The council asked city staff to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors and to coordinate any subsequent meetings; the item will return for consideration after staff and county follow up.