DENVER (AP) -- The state appeals court says Colorado counties must pay to provide drop-off boxes for mail-in boxes at every polling place.

The ruling came Thursday in an Arapahoe County case.

In 2009, state lawmakers passed a law allowing voters to drop off mail ballots at any polling place on Election Day. Until then, drop-off locations had been limited.

Arapahoe County balked at adding boxes at 197 more locations at a cost of $80,000. Officials told the state they wouldn't comply because the state didn't provide funding, which they said violated an unfunded mandate law. The state challenged the decision in court.

Secretary of State Scott Gessler says the decision upholds a fair and uniform election system. He says he'll try to reduce election costs for counties while preserving access and security.