Add a Secure Ballot Drop Box at Fire Station 1 in Mattoon
Every vote cast should be as easy to submit as it is to cast. For Mattoon residents, that means having a secure, accessible ballot drop box right in the heart of our community.
We, the residents of Mattoon and Coles County, respectfully urge the Coles County Clerk to install a secure voter ballot drop box at or near Fire Station 1, located at 1812 Prairie Avenue, Mattoon, Illinois.
Why this location makes sense:
Centrally located — Fire Station 1 sits at the heart of Mattoon, making it easily reachable for residents across the city without requiring long drives to the courthouse or other distant locations.
Already trusted for secure drop-offs — A county property tax payment drop box already exists at or near this site. The infrastructure, lighting, and public trust are already in place. Adding a ballot drop box is a natural, low-barrier extension of what's already working.
Publicly accessible around the clock — Fire stations are among the most visible and welcoming public facilities in any community. This location offers clear sightlines, regular foot traffic, and a sense of safety.
Serves mail-in voters who need options — Many Coles County residents choose to vote by mail due to work schedules, disabilities, transportation challenges, or caregiving responsibilities. A drop box gives them a reliable alternative to postal mail — one that eliminates concerns about delivery delays or lost ballots.
Voter participation shouldn't depend on proximity to a single drop-off point. Expanding secure ballot access across Mattoon is a commonsense step that strengthens democracy at the local level — at minimal cost and maximum benefit to our neighbors.
We call on the Coles County Clerk and county officials to:
Evaluate Fire Station 1 at 1812 Prairie Avenue as a drop box site
Move forward with installation before the next election cycle
Commit to expanding secure ballot access throughout Coles County
Sign this petition to show county officials that Mattoon voters want — and deserve — better access to the ballot.