Gov. Abbott restricts mail-in ballot drop-off locations in Texas counties

AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott says the number of locations where Texas voters can drop off their mail-in ballots has been reduced to ensure poll security.

There will be no more than one drop-off location per county under Abbott’s proclamation issued on Thursday.

Poll watchers may observe in-person ballot deliveries at each location.

Harris County, which includes Houston, had 12 drop-off locations for the county’s more than 2 million registered voters as of September. Travis County, which includes the state capital of Austin, had four.

Texas is one of just five states not allowing widespread mail-in voting this year and Abbott has resisted calls to expand eligibility.