SLATER RAISES CONCERNS OVER UNFUNDED, PREMATURE MANDATE FOR BALLOT DROP BOXES

Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C–Yorktown), ranking member of the Assembly Election Law Committee, today raised significant concerns regarding legislation (A.9626A) that would require every county and city board of elections to install absentee ballot drop boxes.

Slater emphasized the proposal represents a rapid escalation from authorizing drop boxes to mandating them.

“We just gave local boards the flexibility to implement drop boxes based on their community’s needs,” said Slater. “Now, less than two years later, Albany is moving to impose a mandate without first determining whether the original law is even working.”

Slater noted the bill fails to demonstrate a clear need for expanded requirements, pointing out voters already have multiple secure options to return absentee and early mail ballots—including by mail, at boards of elections, during early voting and on Election Day.

“This is a solution in search of a problem,” Slater added. “Before imposing new mandates, we should be asking whether there is actually a gap in access or performance. So far, that case has not been made.”

The legislation also raises concerns about cost and implementation. The bill requires drop boxes to be in place at least 45 days before an election but does not include a clear fiscal plan to support counties responsible for installation, monitoring and security.

In addition, Slater highlighted that the proposal mandates the use of drop boxes without establishing consistent, statewide security standards.

“If we are requiring drop boxes in every county, we should also ensure consistent safeguards,” Slater said. “This bill is silent on issues like monitoring, chain of custody and handling procedures—leaving those critical decisions to local boards while imposing a statewide mandate.”

Slater also cautioned against undermining local election officials by replacing their discretion with a one-size-fits-all approach.

“Boards of elections are best positioned to determine what works in their communities,” he said. “If they need drop boxes, they already have the authority to install them. This bill doesn’t empower them—it overrides them.”

Slater reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring election policies are grounded in data, transparency and practical implementation.

“We all want voters to have confidence in our elections,” Slater said. “But that confidence is built through thoughtful, evidence-based policy—not rushed mandates.”