99 Stolen Proposition 50 Ballots Discovered in Sacramento Homeless Encampment

Sacramento, CA – Nearly 100 unvoted election ballots for California's Proposition 50 were discovered this week at a homeless encampment in Sacramento County, prompting a criminal investigation by local law enforcement and election officials. The discovery was made by Sacramento County Sheriff's deputies during a routine cleanup operation, raising concerns about mail theft and election security.

The 99 ballots, intended for the upcoming November special election on Proposition 50, were found scattered among other mail and debris near Elder Creek and Mayhew Roads. Proposition 50 is a significant measure that seeks to redraw California's congressional districts, potentially shifting more seats to Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives. Officials confirmed the recovered ballots were uncompleted and had likely been stolen from voters' mailboxes.

Following the discovery, the ballots were secured and returned to the Sacramento County Department of Voter Registration and Elections. County officials promptly voided all 99 recovered ballots and confirmed that replacement ballots were immediately mailed to the affected residents. "They won't count for anything," stated Sgt. Amar Gandhi, a spokesperson for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, emphasizing that the integrity of the election remains intact.

The encampment was vacant when deputies arrived, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Authorities, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service, are actively investigating how the ballots and other stolen mail ended up at the site. This incident follows a similar case in nearby Yolo County, where 135 ballots were reported stolen from cluster mailboxes earlier this month.

Sacramento officials are urging any voters who have not received their ballots to contact their county elections office to request a replacement. "Whether it's mail-in or some other method, make sure you're taking the steps to track it and making sure your vote counts," Sgt. Gandhi advised, highlighting the importance of voter vigilance.