Concerns raised statewide over illegal ballot boxes

SALINAS, Calif. (KION)

The California Republican Party acknowledged owning unofficial ballot drop off boxes placed around the state.

There are no reports of unofficial ballot boxes on the Central Coast but local officials are warning voters to keep a lookout and ensure ballot box legitimacy.

"You know it’s our box if it’s listed on our website," says Gail Pellerin of the Santa Cruz County Elections Office.

"Don’t give your ballot to somebody that you don’t know, take responsibility, return it yourself or if you need to enlist the help of someone, make sure it’s someone you trust."

With ballot safety being a concern this election as more people than ever are voting by mail, state officials are now investigating.

Not only does the Monterey County GOP Chair disagree with with these unofficial boxes, he says he's not in favor of any mail-in voting.

“There’s too many ways things can go awry, there’s all kinds of stories about this mail-out, there’s all kinds of mistakes made, I don’t have any confidence in it," says Michael Addison.