North Reading Increases Ballot Drop Box Security

NORTH READING, MA — North Reading is heeding the advice of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and upping its ballot drop box security.

The town has taken several steps to "provide safe access for all voters and to preserve the integrity of each vote," including adding video surveillance during early and mail-in voting, which is monitored by the North Reading Police Department, as well as increasing police patrols around Town Hall during the election. The town also noted that the ballot drop box will be emptied frequently.

Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin's office urged towns on Monday to ensure added security for ballot boxes following the suspected arson of a Boston ballot box early Sunday. Among the suggestions was to empty and lock ballot boxes overnight on Halloween as officials worry about possible Halloween pranks targeting boxes.

North Reading Town Clerk Barbara Stats said the town plans on implementing the suggestion and emptying and locking ballot drop boxes overnight on Saturday.

Early voting lasts until Friday in North Reading and Stats said those who plan on casting ballots on Election Day on Tuesday should note some changes:

• All cars will be directed around the rear of the building to the east side parking lot
• Voter parking and entrance will only be through the east entrance
• There will be designated handicapped accessible parking spots at the east entrance.
• The west side and rear doors to the hall will be for emergency exit only. This will allow for voters to stand in a single line indoors while maintaining social distancing protocols.
• Monitors will be available to assist voters once inside the building

"We will continue to remain vigilant until every vote is counted, and ask voters to do the same," North Reading officials said in a statement. They asked anyone who saw suspicious activity pertaining to voting to call the North Reading Police Department at 978-664-3131.