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# Ballot drop box placed next to a library book return in Santa Monica
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/ballot-drop-box-placed-next-to-a-library-book-return-in-santa-monica/
- Published: 2026-11-02T20:37:59.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-03T06:33:13.000Z
- Author: Gabe Kaplan
- Tags: #socials, Government & Politics

An official Los Angeles County ballot drop box outside the Montana Avenue Branch Library stands a few feet from a Santa Monica Public Library book return.

The ballot drop box sits on the curb at the library at 1704 Montana Ave., next to the book return, a metal bin of similar size and shape.

Some voters have questioned whether ballots could end up in the wrong box. The Daily Press could not confirm any cases of ballots being placed in the book return, and found a printed reminder sign was posted on the library return bin.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/11/DSC01923-1.JPG)

Photo: Gabe Kaplan

"I was here dropping off my ballot, which was so easy," said Melanie, a 33-year resident who voted at the box. "There was absolutely no confusion because the ballot box was clearly marked even though it was next to the drop off for the library return."

Pointing to the ballot box, she said, "It's marked clearly. There should be no problem."

Walker Henderson said the possibility crossed his mind before he dropped off his ballot.

"It occurred to me. I was like, oh, I should remember not to put it into the book drop box," Henderson said. "But I've just used these enough times to know what they specifically look like."

County ballot drop boxes are open 24 hours a day and close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters can find drop box and vote center locations through the Daily Press' Election Central at [smdp.com/election](https://www.smdp.com/election/).