King County Elections have added more ballot drop boxes across the county, including one at Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th Street, in time for the Nov. 2 General Election. There are now 11 drop box locations across the county.

The other two Eastside locations are:

• Crossroads Shopping Center, 15600 NE 8th Street, Bellevue.

• Issaquah City Hall, 130 East Sunset Way, Issaquah.

The number of ballot drop boxes had been reduced to two as a cost-saving measure introduced at the beginning of the year. The drop boxes provide voters with the option of returning their ballot in person rather than by mail, and do not require postage.

“Voters have told us that drop boxes are an essential part of elections,” said Sherril Huff, Director of Elections. “While it’s important to watch the costs of government, voting is a basic right and we want to make sure it remains accessible and convenient.”

Ballot drop boxes were heavily utilized during the 2010 Primary Election, and voters expressed support for increasing the number available. New efficiencies and technological innovations by the Elections Department in the last year have helped the county to save money, providing an additional case for bringing back some drop boxes.

Ballot Drop Box locations are listed on the King County Elections Web site and in the voters’ pamphlets mailed to King County residents. Drop box locations were determined by considering a number of factors including historical use, population densities, planned future growth, proximity to transit services, access and safety.

Ballot Drop Boxes will open on Oct. 14, and will remain open 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 2.

Ballots can also be returned without postage at Accessible Voting Centers during their business hours. Ballots returned through the mail require a first class stamp, and must be postmarked by Nov. 2.