Additional Coverage:
ELLSWORTH, Maine – Authorities in Maine have launched an investigation after a local resident reported receiving hundreds of unmarked absentee ballots in an Amazon delivery last week. The incident occurred as the town of Ellsworth had reported a quantity of ballots missing, which were intended for the upcoming November election.
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows confirmed that both state law enforcement and the FBI are actively investigating the unusual discovery.
“This year, it seems that there may have been attempts to interrupt the distribution of ballots and ballot materials,” Bellows stated at a press conference. She expressed confidence that “law enforcement will determine who is responsible, and any bad actor will be held accountable.”
The November 4th election in Maine includes a significant Republican-backed ballot initiative that proposes photo identification requirements for voting and a reduction in the use of ballot drop boxes. Republican State Representative Laurel Libby emphasized the importance of voter turnout for this measure, stating, “Mainers need to turn out in force, and every single person that supports voter ID and securing our elections needs to get out and vote between now and Nov. 4 to ensure that we secure our elections.”
Last week, Maine Republicans formally requested the FBI and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the incident involving the mishandled ballots.
Amazon, for its part, has denied responsibility for the ballot mix-up. In a statement, the company said, “Based on our initial findings, it appears that this package was tampered with outside of our fulfillment and delivery network, and not by an Amazon employee or partner.” The company confirmed it is fully cooperating with the ongoing state investigation.