Ballot Counting and Ballot Drop Box Modifications

HB 205 modifies Utah's ballot voting rules to improve mail-in ballot processing and ballot drop box accessibility. It requires mailed ballots to be received by election officers before polls close on election day (replacing previous postmark requirements), and mandates that election officers ensure at least 95% of registered voters live within a 60-minute drive of a designated ballot drop box. The bill also requires all drop boxes to be clearly marked, equipped with 24-hour video surveillance (without audio), and secured for public access. These changes directly affect voters who mail ballots or use drop boxes, and election officers responsible for managing voting infrastructure. The bill makes no changes to voting procedures for in-person voting at polling places.