Unofficial ballot drop boxes reported in Ventura County

VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The County of Ventura has received multiple reports in recent days of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes that are not affiliated with Ventura County Elections.

The county said some groups have promoted the fake ballot boxes as “official” or “secure,” but the county would like to remind residents that the use of unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.

Unofficial drop boxes should be reported to Ventura County Elections immediately at (805) 654-2664 or after business hours at elections@ventura.org.

Voters who have completed their ballots should only use official county drop boxes or return their ballot by mail using the prepaid postage return envelope,

Official ballot drop-off boxes can be recognized by their secure structure and official Ventura County Elections logo.

“My office works hard to conduct fair and impartial elections and to provide safe and secure options for voters to return their ballot, to say I’m disappointed that people would make a concerted effort to deceive voters would be an understatement. Elections are all about trust and unofficial drop boxes are not safe. There is no way for the voter to know if their ballot reaches our office as cast and this certainly undermines public trust. My message to those that are putting out these boxes is ‘cease and desist this activity, you’re not being helpful and you’re undermining the process,’" said Clerk-Recorder, Registrar of Voters Mark Lunn.

For the locations of official ballot drop-off boxes around Ventura County, visit VenturaVote.org.

You can also sign up for ballot tracking at wheresmyballot.sos.ca.gov to get automatic notifications by text message, email, or voice message about the status of your Vote By Mail ballot. You’ll be notified once your county has received your ballot, once it has been counted, and if there are any issues with the ballot.

For more information, you can visit the Elections Division website at VenturaVote.org or call (805) 654-2664.