Montgomery County Republican Committee Chair Liz Ferry wants the county's 18 ballot drop boxes closed overnight, citing volunteer data that showed no after-dark use at most locations during the 2024 election.

The push could affect the drop box at Whitemarsh Magisterial District Court, 4002 Center Ave. in Lafayette Hill. That box is one of 18 across the county that opened Tuesday, Sept. 22, and will accept ballots around the clock until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Ferry, an Upper Dublin Township resident, made the request at the county election board's Friday, Sept. 18, meeting in New Hanover Township. She asked commissioners to "limit the hours of operation for ballot drop boxes during the 2026 general election to normal daytime hours," The Reporter reported.

Ferry pointed to data from Republican volunteers who watched drop boxes during the 2024 election. They found 14 locations where no one deposited a ballot between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. She also said some security cameras are poorly positioned and do not give a clear view of the box or show how many ballots a person deposits.

Republican Commissioner Tom DiBello sided with Ferry. "I felt that there's no need to have drop boxes open 24/7. I've said that numerous times," DiBello said at the meeting. He raised cost concerns too, noting the county pays sheriff's deputies to check the boxes daily.

Election Board Chair Neil Makhija, a Democrat, pushed back. He said drop boxes are more secure than U.S. Postal Service mailboxes because they have video surveillance and secure daily pickup. Makhija said voters tell him they do not trust the Postal Service and that having a drop box within five minutes of most residents is "a great convenience."

No vote was taken.

The commissioners have not said publicly whether they plan to act on Ferry's request. Patch also covered Ferry's appearance before the board.

The county mailed about 85,000 ballots the week of Sept. 15. Montgomery County has 624,811 registered voters. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 19, and the last day to request a mail-in ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 27. Residents can reach the Montgomery County Office of Voter Services at 610-278-3280.