Politics

Federal prosecutors charge Utah mail carrier with discarding hundreds of primary ballots

A postal worker faces federal charges after allegedly throwing 300 primary ballots into a dumpster.

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 00:14 UTC4 reports

The short version

Damon Matai Seei was charged with destruction and delay of mail after allegedly discarding roughly 300 Utah primary ballots and other mail into a dumpster.[NBC News · Fox News · CBS News]
Seei told investigators he acted to lighten his workload and leave early, stating he possessed no political motivation.[NBC News · Fox News · CBS News]
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty, with his next court hearing set for Nov. 30 as federal inquiries continue.[NBC News · Fox News · The Washington Sun · CBS News]
Authorities note it remains unknown whether voters impacted by the discarded deliveries eventually received replacement ballots or were able to vote.[Fox News]

Damon Matai Seei was assigned to deliver mail to more than 300 residents in Eagle Mountain, Utah, prior to the state's June 23 primary.[Fox News]
Authorities report Seei disposed of approximately 300 mail-in ballots and other postal items in a church parking lot dumpster.[NBC News · Fox News · CBS News]
Seei informed investigators that he threw away mail to lessen his workload out of fatigue and laziness, denying any political agenda.[NBC News · Fox News · CBS News]
Seei entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges of destruction and delay of mail, with his next court appearance scheduled for Nov. 30.[NBC News · Fox News · CBS News]
The discarded ballots came to light after multiple voters contacted local election officials regarding missing primary ballots.[Fox News]

Officials have not determined whether affected voters subsequently obtained replacement ballots or were able to vote in the primary.[NBC News · Fox News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.