DropOffLocation Type

Arik S.

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Oct 5, 2020, 5:40:46 PM10/5/20

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The `dropOffLocations` key includes a bunch of locations where filled-in ballots can be returned, but depending on the state, that can include polling places, early voting sites, elections offices, as well as drop boxes.

Currently, it is possible to check whether something is a polling place or early voting site by cross-referencing the address value from those fields. Is there a way to disambiguate, however, whether something is a local elections office or a simple dropbox?

Justin Quizon

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Oct 9, 2020, 5:18:41 PM10/9/20

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Hi Arik,

The `dropOffLocations[].voterServices` should detail for you about what services are available at the locations you are inquiring about:

https://developers.google.com/civic-information/docs/v2/elections/voterInfoQuery?apix_params=%7B%22address%22%3A%221127%201st%20ST%2C%20Napa%2C%20CA%2C%2094503%22%2C%22electionId%22%3A7000%2C%22officialOnly%22%3Atrue%7D

Hope this helps!

Regards,

Justin

Arik S.

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Oct 10, 2020, 2:21:24 AM10/10/20

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Thanks, Justin!

However, I found that that isn't really precise enough. For example, take a look at 10325 Richwood Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014.

There, FUHSD Adult School at 10123 N Wolfe Rd appears both as an early voting site, where the voter service is solely "early vote," as well as as a drop off location, with the voter service being only "drop off." As such, it doesn't appear to be any more helpful than simply knowing which key it was grouped under.

Instead, knowing that that location is an early voting site that accepts filled in ballots during opening hours, rather than a stand-alone dropbox with 24/7 availability, would be significantly more helpful, particularly given that the first drop off location, Cupertino City Hall - City Clerks Office, has no property designating as an elections office.