SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) -- Federal authorities are investigating the possible theft of voters’ ballots from a Daly City USPS location, according to the San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder's Office.
County officials said an employee at the Daly City USPS location reported a mail theft incident on Wednesday. An unknown number of San Mateo County ballots may have been taken during the incident. However, it has not been confirmed if any ballots were stolen.
The U.S. Postal Inspector Service is investigating the reported theft. The agency confirmed to KRON4 that on Wednesday around 3 p.m., collected mail was stolen from the loading dock at the Daly City Post Office.
At this time, San Mateo County voters are urged to track their ballots using the California Secretary of State’s free ballot tracking service.
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“Voters who are concerned that their ballots may have been affected by this incident may request a replacement ballot online,” the county elections office wrote, “or in person at any Vote Center in San Mateo County. Online requests for a replacement ballot must be submitted by October 27, 2026 to allow sufficient time for mailing.”
San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa is calling for stronger security measures following the incident.
"People need to have confidence that their vote-by-mail ballot will reach its intended destination, especially when it comes to something as fundamental as their right to vote,” Canepa said in a media statement. “We need a complete investigation, stronger protections for the mail, and straightforward communication with the public."
