A daring mail theft that took place in broad daylight in Sacramento has raised concerns about the upcoming elections, as officials hinted that ballots might have been among the items stolen just before voting begins.
The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the College Glen area. Surveillance footage captured a man arriving in a gray SUV, opening the back of a postal truck, and driving off with trays of mail.
A witness from a nearby home observed the entire robbery unfold, according to authorities.
Now, investigators are working diligently to find out if any election ballots were in the stolen mail.
US Postal Inspector Jonathan Lanning confirmed during an interview that there is a possibility ballots were taken in the theft. “Mail was stolen, and there may have been ballots affected by the theft,” he said.
This incident occurs as Sacramento County has just sent out ballots, and with Election Day approaching—there’s growing worry that some voters might not receive theirs in time.
Local resident Mary Brown expressed her concern to a news outlet, stating that she didn’t receive a USPS delivery that was meant to include her great-grandchildren’s ballots. “I looked at my informed mail, and it was supposed to have my great-grandchildren’s ballot,” she remarked. “It was mailed. It should’ve been in my mailbox that day.”
Brown feels anxious, as she’s uncertain if her family members will be able to participate in the election.
She learned about the theft through a neighborhood app, which added to her worry about whether her great-grandchildren’s ballots were among the missing items.
“I was panicked because they weren’t going to be able to vote,” she admitted.
Despite the tensions, election officials have stated that voters who don’t receive their ballots still have alternatives. Ken Casparis, who works at the Sacramento County elections office, mentioned that individuals without their ballots can request replacements by reaching out to the office.
“You can contact our office to request a replacement ballot,” Casparis explained. “You can do that either by phone or email. And we’ll go ahead and reissue your ballot for you.”
He also noted that the county would only count the first ballot submitted which contains the voter’s valid signature.
Meanwhile, postal investigators are encouraging voters to track their ballots via the California Secretary of State’s website and to remain vigilant for any missing mail as the investigation progresses.
The US Postal Inspection Service is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for tips that lead to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved in the theft.
Anyone with information is urged to contact postal inspectors at 1-877-876-2455.
