Nearly 100 Stolen Election Ballots Found in Sacramento Homeless Encampment

Authorities in Sacramento County say nearly 100 stolen election ballots were discovered inside a homeless encampment this week.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies found 99 unvoted ballots, along with other election-related materials, while clearing a camp near Elder Creek and Mayhew roads on Wednesday.

Sgt. Amar Gandhi said deputies immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. “Obviously saw the urgency, grabbed all those items first, got the ballots and stuff returned to the voter registration,” he told KCRA.

The ballots were turned over to the Sacramento County Department of Voter Registration and Elections, which confirmed that all have been voided and will not be counted. Replacement ballots are being sent to affected voters.

No arrests have been made, and investigators are working with the U.S. Postal Service to determine how the ballots ended up in the encampment. Deputies said the camp was vacant when they arrived.

“It’s a big deal and it’s an undertaking,” Gandhi said. “It’s going to take a lot of backtracking.”

Officials urge any voter who has not received their ballot to contact their local elections office for a replacement. Gandhi emphasized that protecting voter integrity remains the top priority.

“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,” he said.

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