WHAT? Ballots Found in ‘Disused’ Mail Boxes in Wa After Election

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs has sent a letter formally asking what steps the United States Postal Service will take to prevent out-of-service mail collection boxes from being left in areas where the public thinks the boxes are open and available.

VOTERS THOUGHT THE MAILBOXES WERE IN USE AND DROPPED BALLOTS IN THE BOXES

That was the case last week when Hobbs says unused collection boxes were in public spaces in King and Pierce counties. 124 voted ballots were recently found in the boxes from the November 7 general election. Because the ballots were found after the election they were delivered to the county election offices where they were voted.  Elections officials says they "used the dates provided on the ballot envelopes to help determine ballot validity."

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HOBBS IS CONCERNED WHAT IT MEANS TO VOTERS

Hobbs says he's very concerned the situation will disenfranchise voters and wants to make sure it never happens again. "“I am very proud of the longstanding partnership between state and local elections officials and the USPS, which gives me full confidence that appropriate steps will be taken.”

HOBBS WANTS TO MAKE SURE IT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN

The letter sent by Hobbs to the USPS Governmental Relations leadership wanting to know what measure will be implemented to prevent voter confusion and distrust caused by the "disused" mailboxes being left in public areas. State officials say Washington has five state elections scheduled for 2024, including the March Presidential Primary.
Hobbs says taxpayers invest a lot of money in the system every year and "our voters must be able to trust that every ballot put into a USPS mailbox will be delivered and counted.”

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