If you haven’t received your ballot for this November’s election, check with the Deschutes County Clerk, as it may have been part of the stolen mail recovered by a Bureau of Land Management Ranger on Monday.
According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, which received the stolen mail from more than 70 addresses throughout the county, the Ranger found the mail on BLM land. While processing the mail, deputies found the stolen mail contained many election ballots for the Nov. 6 election, as well as property tax, medical and bank statements. Officials at DCSO said the ballots are still sealed, and they don’t believe they were the target of the thieves.
As of Tuesday, the DCSO is working with the Deschutes County Clerk to reissue the ballots taken from the mailboxes. If you haven’t received your ballot, or suspect it was stolen, contact the County Clerk at 541-388-6547.
The DCSO reminds people to prevent mail theft you shouldn’t leave mail overnight in the mailbox, arrange for credit cards or other valuables to be picked up at the post office and have the post office hold your mail when traveling.
If you’re concerned about identity theft, data breaches or someone gaining access to your credit report, the DCSO suggests placing a credit freeze or closely monitoring your individual credit reports.
This article appears in Oct 24-31, 2018.
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