BEND, OR -- Bend police Chief Mike Krantz announced yesterday steps will be taken to ensure free and safe elections with police present at ballot drop off sites. The police presence will be on Election Day and the days leading up to it. Bend Police Lieutenant Juli Mc Conkey says the goal is to protect everyone’s rights. McConkey says the Deschutes County sheriff is also planning on keeping an eye on ballot box drop off sites in Deschutes county.