Redlands extends ballot drop box agreement through 2035

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands voters will continue to have access to secure ballot drop boxes through at least 2035, following City Council approval of a new agreement with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters.

On Sept. 2, the council unanimously approved replacing the city’s expiring contract with the county to maintain three official ballot drop boxes on city property. The new agreement extends the partnership until June 17, 2035.

The ballot boxes — located at City Hall, the City Corporate Yard, and the Community Center — were first installed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide voters with 24/7 access to return vote-by-mail ballots. Each unit measures 32 by 32 by 56 inches and is designed to be locked at 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Under the agreement, the county will continue to make the boxes operational on the first day of early voting and ensure they are secured when polls close. The city is responsible for maintenance, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

City staff determined the contract is not subject to environmental review under state law.

Officials said the locations were chosen to provide geographically diverse options for Redlands voters and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to accessible, secure, and fair elections.

The original agreement with the county, approved in 2020, was set to expire Sept. 8, 2025.