Officials across Mass. tightening security following Boston ballot drop box fire

WALPOLE, Mass. — Police have been working to keep the ballots and voters safe. That effort is ramping up as we get closer to Election Day.

Boston 25 News spoke to police, election workers and voters about how they are feeling about safety going into the final days. We learned the plan is ever-changing, that security is ramping up as the election gets closer – especially with tensions in this race and voters passionate about their candidate.

“They may want to put pressure on somebody who is going to vote at the poll or maybe even try to sway their vote or whatever,” Walpole Police Chief John Carmichael said.

Related: Police arrest man accused of burning ballot drop box in Boston

Police and election workers have been tightening security ahead of Election Day. Quincy actually moved their box slightly to make sure it was in full view of the surveillance cameras outside.

“We empty the drop box at least three times per day,” Quincy City Clerk Nicole Crispo said.

Brighton was doing the same with a police officer looking on. Framingham now has a police officer posted at their ballot drop box. Quincy is also staffing the election office with a police officer 24/7 to keep the ballots secure.

Related: Framingham adds 24/7 police monitoring of ballot drop boxes

“They are in locked closets. We have a safe that we put them in,” the Quincy City Clerk said.

Voters said they are also worried about their security after the results are in.

“I am concerned that [in] the aftermath there is going to be some kind of problems,” said Gabriell Upton, a voter in Quincy. “But I’m hoping for the best.”

The police chiefs across the state are going to be meeting as we get close to Election Day to see if any of these plans need tweaking.

Cox Media Group