Section 2-304 - Ballot drop boxes(a) A local board shall consider the following factors when determining the location of a ballot drop box: (1) the accessibility of the ballot drop box to historically disenfranchised communities, including voters with disabilities, cultural groups, ethnic groups, and minority groups;(2) proximity of the ballot drop box to dense concentrations of voters;(3) accessibility of the ballot drop box by public transportation;(4) equitable distribution of ballot drop boxes throughout the county; and(5) maximizing voter participation, including through placement of ballot drop boxes at community centers and public gathering places.(b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a local board shall designate locations in the county at which a ballot drop box will be placed in accordance with the factors set forth in subsection (a) of this section.(c)(1) Each local board shall submit the proposed locations in the county for each ballot drop box to the State Administrator for approval.(2) The State Administrator shall approve a ballot drop box location that meets the factors established under subsection (a) of this section.(3) If a proposed ballot drop box location does not meet the factors, the State Administrator shall: (i) require that the local board reconsider the proposed location for one or more ballot drop boxes; and(ii) provide to the local board a detailed explanation of why the proposed location does not meet the factors.(4) If the State Administrator finds that the proposed ballot drop box locations submitted to the State Administrator after reconsideration by the local board under paragraph (3) of this subsection do not meet the factors, the State Administrator may add ballot drop box locations in the county.Added by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 514,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2021.Added by 2021 Md. Laws, Ch. 56,Sec. 1, eff. 6/1/2021.