An incident of mail theft in Sacramento has raised concerns regarding the potential impact on upcoming elections. The theft occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the College Glen neighborhood, where surveillance footage showed a man in a gray SUV stealing trays of mail from a postal truck. A witness reported observing the theft as it happened.
US Postal Inspector Jonathan Lanning confirmed that election ballots may have been included among the stolen mail. "Mail was stolen, and there may have been ballots affected by the theft," Lanning stated in an interview with KCRA.
The theft coincides with the recent mailing of ballots in Sacramento County, prompting worries that some voters might not receive their ballots in time for Election Day. Local resident Mary Brown expressed concern after she did not receive a scheduled USPS delivery that was supposed to include ballots for her great-grandchildren. "I looked at my informed mail, and it was supposed to have my great-grandchildren’s ballot," Brown said. She learned about the theft through a neighborhood app, leaving her uncertain about the status of the ballots.
Sacramento County elections office employee Ken Casparis reassured voters that those who do not receive their ballots can request replacements by contacting the office via phone or email. He noted that only the first ballot received with a valid signature will be counted.
Postal investigators are advising voters to track their ballots through the California Secretary of State’s website and to remain vigilant for missing mail as the investigation proceeds. The US Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact postal inspectors at 1-877-876-2455.