D.C. Elections Board Asks National Guard to Stay Away From Ballot Drop Boxes
The D.C. Board of Elections asked National Guard members to limit their presence near ballot drop boxes after complaints about troops standing by a drop box in Foggy Bottom. The District's 55 mail ballot drop boxes opened Friday and will remain open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day. A Board spokesperson said officials are addressing the concerns directly with the National Guard and requested restrictions near drop boxes and voting locations.
The District operates 55 mail ballot drop boxes, which began accepting ballots Friday morning. They are scheduled to remain accessible around the clock until 8 p.m. on Election Day. The Board of Elections said it is speaking with the National Guard directly after residents raised concerns about service members stationed near a drop box in Foggy Bottom.
The Board asked for limits on where Guard members may be positioned near ballot collection points and polling places. Public posts also raised questions about whether military personnel may lawfully be present at ballot collection sites.
The dispute may affect voters who use the District’s drop boxes, especially those already concerned about election security or pressure at voting sites. If military presence near collection sites continues or expands, it could shape how comfortable residents feel casting ballots in person or by drop box. It may also increase scrutiny of coordination between local election officials and federal or military authorities. The Board’s request could reassure some voters, while others may see it as insufficient.