Ask the Answer Person: Will absentee ballots left in Winneshiek County's drop box be secure?

Marv e-mails: "Dear Answer Person: I am pleased that there is a drop box for ballots outside the courthouse, which will help to reduce the risk of absentee ballots being delayed in the mail. However, I am concerned about the security of ballots that will be left in the box. How often will it be emptied? Will it be monitored 24/7 (by a video camera, for example)? Anything that can be done to assure that voting will be secure during this election, and to avoid the risk of ballot tampering, will be greatly appreciated."

The Answer Person says: "Rest easy!  First of all, the drop box is a pretty solid piece of hardware that serves as a collection point for absentee ballots and all other mail for Courthouse offices.  Secondly, county officials say the drop box "is checked frequently" throughout the day Mondays through Fridays.  Finally, there are security cameras at the entrance to the courthouse, so even if someone tried to get into the drop box--a remote possibility--their image would be captured by the cameras."