SAMMAMISH, Wash. (NewsNation Now) — Ballots were stolen from mailboxes in a Seattle-area just weeks before Election Day, according to the Sammamish Police Department.
“Sammamish PD was notified by the postmaster this morning regarding numerous ballots being stolen from mailboxes and being placed in other mailboxes,” the department posted on Facebook.
Authorities also said they were responding to calls for garbage bags that were found full of mail, including ballots.
“We are working on getting the mail back to the owners. Please make sure you are retrieving your mail in a timely manner,” the department said.
The department did not say if the ballots were blank or not, but they asked people to reach out to the King County Elections’ office if residents don’t receive their ballot by Oct. 19.
According to the United States Postal Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service is responsible for ensuring the safety of all mail, including Election Mail.
According to USPS, to report law enforcement matters relating to Election Mail, call a Postal Inspector at 877-876-2455.
The State of Washington primarily conducts its election by mail. The postmark requirement for a mail-in ballot is Election Day, Nov. 3. Election officials must receive the ballot by Nov. 23.
