If the property stolen is an official ballot or official carrier envelope for an election, the offense is classified as which level?

• A. State Jail Felony
• B. 3rd Degree Felony
• C. 2nd Degree Felony
• D. Class A Misdemeanor

Answer: (A)

Election-related ballot theft has a fixed punishment because it directly affects the integrity of the electoral process. The statute treats stealing an official ballot or an official carrier envelope as a special offense, not based on the value of the item. This reflects the priority of protecting elections; interfering with ballots or their transport is considered inherently more serious than typical theft. As a result, the offense is classified as a state jail felony, with punishment typically in state custody for about 180 days to 2 years and a potential fine up to $10,000.