Humboldt County Discovers Uncounted Ballots Post-Election Certification, Sparking Integrity Concerns
Officials in Humboldt County, California, have discovered 596 ballots that were not counted during the state's 2025 special election. These ballots were found inside a locked ballot drop box on May 4, 2026, months after the election was certified. The uncounted ballots would not have changed the outcome of the election, which involved a measure to redraw congressional lines. The discovery has reignited concerns about election integrity, a topic that has been contentious in recent years. The ballots were confirmed to be untampered, as the drop box was locked and the ballots sealed. The Humboldt County Office of Elections is working with the California Secretary of State to determine the next steps. 
