Ballot Drop Box Security Best Practices for Incendiary Devices

In October 2024, there were three reported incidents of an incendiary device being attached to the outside of metal ballot drop boxes in two neighboring states. While current assessments indicate this is a localized threat, these events may spur other actors in other parts of the United States to commit similar criminal actions targeting ballot drop boxes. The following information is intended as best practice considerations for election officials in states where voting is already underway, and resource intensive adjustments to drop box locations are not feasible. These are intended as immediate-term considerations to specifically address the threat posed by incendiary devices being placed on, in, or near ballot drop boxes. For a more comprehensive guide on ballot drop box utilization and security, see the CISA Elections Infrastructure Government Coordinating Council and Sector Coordinating Council joint publication Ballot Drop Box Resource Document.