Mail-in ballots stolen from Daly City post office raise election fraud concerns

Thieves broke into a United States Postal Service office in Daly City, seizing trays of mail that contained San Mateo County voters’ mail-in ballots. The county’s Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s Office confirmed the loss and said both the county and the Postal Service are actively investigating, but the total number of ballots taken has not been disclosed. Election officials reminded voters to monitor their ballot’s progress via the California Secretary of State’s website and to request a new ballot if needed.

The Postal Inspection Service, represented by Inspector Jonathan Lanning, indicated the ballots may have been caught up in the robbery and announced a reward of up to $100,000 for tips. San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa stressed the need for a thorough investigation, stronger mail security, and clear public communication ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The incident occurs as California’s early mail-in voting, which began on Oct. 5, continues toward Election Day.