BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The City of Bangor issued a warning to voters this week regarding illegal activity surrounding mail-in voting.

City officials say they are aware of at least one person knocking on doors and offering to return absentee ballots. In a Facebook post, they say it’s illegal and the incident has been reported to the Secretary of State’s office.

The City warns voters that entrusting their ballot to a stranger could result in their vote not being submitted and/or counted.

Instead, they say only you, a family member, or a pre-designated third party need to return your ballot.

Ballots can be dropped off at the City Hall drop box located in the rear of the building at 262 Harlow Street, at the Clerk’s Office during business hours, or mailed via the U.S. Postal Service .

Earlier this week, Bangor’s city clerk explained the process he undertakes to verify that all returned absentee ballots belong to the registered voter.

“If they pick up their absentee ballot from the office or we mail it to them, we will usually have a request with a signature on it. If it’s done electronically, we have their voter ID on it. So we can match the signature on the envelope when it comes back with that application or with their voter registration card,” said Bangor City Clerk Lisa Goodwin.

Election officials say if there is a problem with a voter’s envelope, they will be contacted by the City within 24 hours and given the opportunity to correct the problem.

If you have returned your postal ballot, you can now check its status via the Secretary of State website.

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