New York State Assemblyman Sean Ryan is sponsoring legislation to authorize county boards of elections to establish secure ballot drop boxes amid nationwide concern over mail-in voting for the upcoming presidential election.

Ryan said the aim is to provide a convenient, safe, and secure way for voters to ensure their ballots are counted.

The move comes as both Ryan and Assemblymember Monica Wallace are urging the federal government to provide funding for the United States Postal Service, and to assist state and local governments with administration of the November election.

“The USPS is an essential service and part of our everyday lives. Millions or Americans rely on the USPS each and every day,” Ryan said. “In the midst of a pandemic, voting by mail is essential to keep everyone safe, and we must fully fund the USPS to ensure ballots are delivered here in New York and across the country.”

President Donald Trump has offered mixed messages about mail-in voting, including raising unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud. The president has also questioned if the USPS could handle the load of mail-in voting.

In addition, concerns are arising over reports that cost-cutting operations at the postal service are causing a mail backlog across the country.

“This legislation will help ensure that all New Yorkers have the chance to vote safely and be confident that their vote will be counted,” Wallace said in a statement. “With questions about whether mail delivery is being intentionally slowed, this legislature ensures that every citizen has the opportunity to personally deliver his or her ballot to a secure mailbox, knowing that it will be received timely and counted.”