State Ballot Box Now 'Secure' Relay For Santa Letters In Vernon

VERNON, CT — In another twist to what has already been an unprecedented election year, the official state ballot drop box is now the official "secure" relay point for Vernon residents to send letters to Santa.

'Twas the night of Winterfest in Vernon when the box appeared with little more than a quiet clatter at Town Hall, like it came off Santa's sleigh itself. It last appeared as the official ballot box for absentee tallies in the 2020 presidential election, but, as of Friday, is now being used for Santa correspondence.

The box is adorned in festive decorations. It had been placed at town hall for the election because a large amount of voters opted for absentee ballots because of the virus.

Town officials said, in consultation with the office of letters at the North Pole, the box could serve as a more secure and healthy option during the coronavirus pandemic than the usual open drop box at Central Park.

Amid visions of sugarplums, town officials said the move was "a creative and safe repurposing of the ballot box."

Staff and volunteer elves will regularly check the box, officials said.

The box is also underneath security cameras at Town Hall to thwart any shenanigans contemplated by the Grinch, town officials said.