BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to a report of a large amount of mail dumped near Hunnel and Loco Roads, north of Bend, on Friday. Deputies discovered several unopened ballots and other sensitive items in the pile. 

DCSO says incidents of mail theft typically ramp up through the holidays. The agency encourages people to check your mail frequently and avoid leaving it in the mailbox overnight. 

All of the found ballots were returned to the County Clerk to be reissued. If you have not received your ballot by Wednesday (October 23), you should contact your local county clerk's office. Deschutes County Clerk Steve Dennison can be reached at 541-388-6547.