Election Mail Found Dispersed Along Road in North County

ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) – A collection of election mail, notably including unsigned mail-in ballots, was discovered scattered along Lake Wohlford Road in North County. This situation arises less than a month before the upcoming election, prompting concerns about the security of ballots.

Scott Harmes, who reported the incident, noted he saw several mail pieces, with approximately half being unsigned ballots. After capturing photographs, he promptly went to the sheriff’s office without interfering with the ballots. Upon their visit, deputies learned that another individual had already collected the ballots and turned them in to the Valley Center Post Office.

Harmes raised questions about how the ballots ended up on the road, suggesting they appeared to have been discarded from a vehicle rather than falling from a mail truck. He submitted a report to the Registrar of Voters, which indicated they would be reaching out to the Postal Inspection Service. Expressing that the issue transcends political affiliations, Harmes emphasized the need for improved ballot custody procedures.

USPS representatives have referred inquiries to the Postal Inspection Service. Meanwhile, the County of San Diego Registrar of Voters confirmed the materials found included twelve unfilled mail ballot packets and 14 voter information pamphlets. Following this, the U.S. Postal Service confirmed the materials were redelivered to the correct addresses. They emphasized a commitment to election integrity and urged voters to report concerns directly to their office.