North Andover Police: Officers Conduct Random Ballot Box Checks

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover's ballot drop box has been added to the list of sites in town that are regularly checked by patrolling officers, 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.

North Andover Police Detective Lieutenant Eric Foulds said the department does not have someone standing guard at the Town Hall box, but it has been added to the group of buildings that are regularly checked at random by patrolling officers. Town hall is at the intersection of multiple patrol sectors and officers do not make checks on a predictable schedule.

>>Election 2020: North Andover Voter Guide

Residents can return their ballots by mail or using the secure drop box at 120 R Main Street. You can also vote early in person at the North Andover Senior Center, 120-R Main Street, through Friday, or in person at the High School Field House on Election Day, Nov. 3.

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