Andover Police: 24-Hour Security Camera On Town Ballot Box

ANDOVER, MA — Andover's secure drop box at town hall has a security camera that looks out on it and have an officer on duty in the area at all times, a department spokesman said Monday.

Secretary of State William Galvin's office has implored cities and towns to ensure added security for ballot boxes following the suspected arson of a Boston ballot box early Sunday. The fire destroyed 35 of the 122 ballots. Police arrested a Boston man later that evening in connection to the fire.

At least one community, Framingham, has gone so far as to station officers at its two ballot boxes at all times.

Andover Police Lieutenant Edward Guy said Andover police do not have someone standing guard at the Town Hall box, but the "square officer" patrols a small area downtown which includes the box.

>>Election 2020: Andover Voter Guide

Residents can return their ballots by mail or using the secure drop box at 36 Bartlet St. You can also vote early in person at the Ballard Vale United Church, 23 Clark Rd., through Friday, or in person at your polling place on Election Day, Nov. 3.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.