Full Breakdown
Utah Postal Worker Indicted for Discarding Over 300 Mail-In Ballots Ahead of June Primary
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Indictment and Alleged Ballot Disposal
A federal grand jury indicted former U.S. Postal Service letter carrier Damon Matai Seei, 34, of Payson, Utah, on September 16 for one count of unlawful secretion, destruction, and delay of mail. The indictment alleges that on June 3 Seei, while delivering mail to at least 300 Eagle Mountain residents, separated the ballots, drove to a church parking lot and discarded them in a dumpster about 90 minutes later. He was arrested, arraigned in Salt Lake City, entered a not-guilty plea, and will appear again on November 30.
Background & Context – Mail-In Voting in Utah and Federal Mail Laws
Utah casts roughly 95 % of its votes by mail. Federal law criminalizes any postal employee who willfully hides, destroys, detains, or delays mail, including election-related items. Prosecutors need only prove the willful interference, not a political motive.
Data & Statistics – Numbers, Dates, and Legal Charges
- Ballots involved: about 300 (The Hill, DOJ) and 304 (LawCommentary, clerk).
- Disposal date: June 3.
- Primary election: June 23.
- Indictment date: September 16.
- Charge: One count, up to five years imprisonment.
Official Statements & Responses – DOJ, U.S. Attorney, Acting Deputy AG
U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak said Seei told investigators he discarded the ballots to “lighten his workload.” Both officials stressed that ballot integrity is not a partisan issue and that the investigation continues.
On-the-Ground Reports – Voter Complaints and Clerk Findings
Voters in Eagle Mountain reported not receiving ballots. Utah County Clerk Aaron Davidson identified roughly 304 missing ballots and is contacting affected voters to determine if replacement ballots were issued or if they voted by other means.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Motive and Impact Uncertainty
- Number of ballots: Estimates range from “around 300” to “about 304.”
- Motive: Seei cited frustration and workload concerns; no political intent has been proven.
- Effect on election outcome: Officials have not confirmed whether the missing voters ultimately cast ballots, leaving the impact on the June 23 primary unclear.
What's Next – Upcoming Court Date and Ongoing Investigation
The case returns to federal court on November 30. Prosecutors, the USPS Office of Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations are reviewing whether additional voters were affected and if remedial actions, such as replacement ballots, are needed. The Justice Department indicated other election-integrity cases are under review, without specifying a timeline.
