Lou, J., Rowangould, D., Kaner, A., Niemeier, D.A., (2023). Access to Voting and Participation: Does the Policy of Limiting Mail-In Ballot Dropbox Locations in Ohio Suppress Voter Turnout? In: Coll, J.A., Anthony, J. (eds) Lessons Learned from the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. Elections, Voting, Technology. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-44549-1_5
Abstract
Many states saw a dramatic increase in absentee voting during the 2020 general election, especially via designated drop boxes, which initiated a debate on convenience versus security among supporters and opponents, respectively, of the use of ballot drop boxes. This increase was in part due to COVID-19, but also because of various reforms designed to improve voter access. To evaluate the effect of expanding/reducing drop box availability, we adopted a first-difference-geographic-discontinuity design to examine the effects of differences in drop box accessibility on voting outcomes in Ohio. Ohio presents a unique opportunity for this study due to its one-county-one-drop-box policy in the 2020 general election. We find that greater accessibility results in a 3.9–5.2% increase in voter turnout in 2020 relative to 2016. Our results suggest important policy implications, especially people with mobility constraints and disabilities, women, and low-income and minority populations, whose participation may be suppressed. Applying these findings to a fact that Ohio did severely limit the number of drop boxes suggest the decision to limit such drop boxes suppressed voters. By recognizing the relationship between drop box availability and voter turnout, it becomes crucial to consider policies that promote accessibility and inclusivity in elections.