A batch of election mail found near a dumpster in Renton is being investigated, though officials say there is no indication of fraud.
The issue came to light after state Rep. Jim Walsh, the Washington state Republican chairman, posted a video on social media claiming a box of unvoted ballots had been discovered. Authorities later took custody of the mail and began reviewing it.
State Rep. Jim Walsh, Washington state Republican chairman, commenting on ballots found in Renton on April 17, 2026. (Screenshot from X/@WAGOP)
The United States Postal Inspection Service is leading the investigation alongside local police, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation due to the presence of federal election mail.
Initial findings suggest the ballots were outgoing mail that had not been picked up by voters at a private mailbox location.
King County Elections Director Julie Wise said there was “no opportunity for fraud” and criticized the handling of the ballots before they were turned over to authorities.
“Representative Walsh claims to care about the security of our elections and the health of our democracy. If that were the case, the responsible thing to do would have been to immediately turn over any undelivered mail to the authorities. This is clearly an effort to push a false narrative about elections and vote-by-mail,” she said.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs reminded residents of proper procedures.
“If someone comes across an undelivered ballot, they should return it to the sender,” Hobbs said. “They should be turned over to law enforcement when requested, not opened or posted on social media.”
Officials say the investigation is ongoing.
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