Oregon Department of Justice investigates alleged ballot tampering in Clackamas County as candidates consider legal action
A temporary elections employee allegedly tampered with ballots to cast additional votes for Republican candidates in Clackamas County, where several hotly contested races could tilt the balance of power in cities, the county and even the state legislature. - The Oregon Department of Justice confirmed that it has launched a criminal investigation but did not identify the female employee or disclose how many ballots might be affected. The department is investigating the matter promptly since the Nov. 6 election is just days away, said Jeff Manning, spokesman for the Department of Justice. On Friday, Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown sent an elections observer to the Clackamas County Elections Office. Fred Neal, a retired elections manager with a decade of experience, is expected to be there for as long as it takes to process all the ballots, said Andrea Cantu-Schomus, spokeswoman for the Secretary of State's Office. He will review processes and procedures, including security plans. The unidentified elections worker allegedly cast votes for Republicans in races left blank, according to Willamette Week, which first reported the story. Tampering with ballots is a Class C felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $125,000 fine.