Authorities in Maine are investigating how hundreds of official ballots ended up in an Amazon delivery to a Newburgh resident, raising concerns over election security just weeks before voters weigh a Republican-backed voter ID referendum.
The Secretary of State’s Office confirmed Wednesday that both state and federal officials are involved in the investigation.
The Newburgh resident, expecting a routine shipment of household items, said she discovered roughly 250 ballots inside a battered, retaped package.
The ballots were grouped in stacks of 50, which matches the standard format for municipal clerk distribution.
State election officials who examined photographs of the ballots confirmed their authenticity and noted that the batch was linked to Ellsworth, a nearby town that had reported the ballots missing the same day, The Maine Wire reports.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows said her office is fully cooperating with investigators, including the FBI, to determine how the materials were diverted.
“It seems that there may have been attempts to interrupt the distribution of ballots and ballot materials,” Bellows said during a press conference, per Fox News.
She added that those responsible will be held accountable once identified.
Upon discovering the ballots, the resident immediately contacted local officials and delivered the package to the town clerk, who secured the ballots in a locked safe.
A brief video was recorded to document the transfer and ensure the chain of custody. The clerk declined further comment while the investigation continues, according to WABI 5.
Amazon stated that its review indicates the parcel was tampered with before entering its delivery network.
“This package was tampered with outside of our fulfillment and delivery system,” a company spokesperson said, adding that Amazon is cooperating with authorities to trace the shipment.
Republican leaders in Maine called the incident a serious breach of public trust.
“The discovery of hundreds of authentic state ballots in a private Amazon delivery is beyond alarming,” House Republican Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham said. “When ballots appear in shipments of rice and toys, trust is shattered. Mainers deserve answers, accountability, and immediate action.”
Assistant House Republican Leader Katrina Smith criticized Bellows for previously ignoring election integrity concerns, including reports of non-citizens on voter rolls.
“The integrity of our ballot is the foundation of our democracy,” Smith said, describing Bellows’ earlier refusal to cooperate with federal investigators as “unacceptable.”
Maine GOP Chairman Jim Deyermond called on the Department of Justice to take jurisdiction over the case.
“This incident defies explanation,” he said, noting that state law requires ballots to be printed on secure paper, packaged in sealed units, and delivered directly to municipal clerks under strict custody procedures.
The ballots reportedly included questions for the Nov. 4 election, including Question 1, a voter ID proposal requiring photo identification at the polls, according to Just the News.
Republicans say the measure is vital for restoring confidence in elections, while Democrats warn it could suppress voter turnout.
The situation has intensified scrutiny on Bellows, a Democrat who faced criticism for attempting to block President Donald Trump from the 2024 ballot in Maine.
Bellows, who is reportedly considering a 2026 gubernatorial run, said her office is “working diligently” to determine how the ballots were mishandled.
As investigations continue, Republican leaders stress the importance of additional safeguards to prevent similar incidents.
“Mainers are being asked to decide whether to protect the vote with voter ID,” Faulkingham said. “Incidents like this remind us exactly why it’s needed.”
