The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office said stolen mail, including nearly two-dozen ballots, were found on the side of the road in Bend Friday morning.
Sgt. Jay Minton told Central Oregon Daily said a large amount of mail was found near Hunnell Road and Loco Road on Bend’s north end. It was called in around 8:30 a.m. by someone who was driving in the area.
Among the items were 23 ballots — according to the initial report — that were being delivered to residents, but had not yet been opened.
Most of the mail came from the area of 94th Street between Tumalo Road and Old Bend Redmond Highway, plus a few other streets in the vicinity. It appears the mail came from community-style mailboxes.
Although the ballot envelopes were not opened, several other pieces of mail were. Minton said it’s not believed the ballots were the target.
All ballots were returned to the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office to be re-sent to those voters, Minton said. Those who do not receive their ballots by Oct. 23 should contact Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison at 541-388-6547.
Minton said that the sheriff’s office is working with the U.S. Postal Service to inspect and, if needed, repair the mailboxes.
Mail theft increases around this time of year through the holidays, Minton added. Citizens are reminded to monitor their mail as it is delivered to them. Also, avoid leaving mail in mailboxes overnight