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2d ago

Maine Opens Probe After 250 Absentee Ballots Reportedly Found in Amazon Package

Officials say election safeguards remain in place during the investigation.

Maine Secretery of State Shenna Bellows speaks at a news conference at the Maine State House in Augusta on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Whittle)
The State House is seen in Augusta, Maine on June 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)
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Overview

  • The secretary of state's law enforcement division is leading the case with assistance from the Maine Attorney General’s Office, Maine State Police, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
  • Amazon says the delivery box appeared to be tampered with outside its fulfillment and delivery network and the company is cooperating with investigators.
  • Secretary Shenna Bellows said misconduct has not been ruled out and investigators have not confirmed a link between the found ballots and Ellsworth’s missing shipment or established a verified chain of custody.
  • Absentee voting is underway for the Nov. 4 election, which includes a Republican-backed voter ID initiative, and GOP leaders have urged federal action citing the incident.
  • The Newburgh resident who reported the ballots has not been publicly identified; Ellsworth notified the state the same day 250 ballots were reported missing, and officials say ballot deliveries to towns remain on schedule.