Ballot Boxes Set on Fire in Oregon, Washington State

Ballot Boxes Set on Fire in Oregon, Washington State

Police are currently investigating multiple incidents of ballot boxes being lit ablaze in Oregon and Vancouver.

At a Glance

  • Incendiary devices were used to set fire to ballot drop boxes in Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, destroying hundreds of ballots.
  • The Portland fire was quickly contained, damaging only three ballots; the Vancouver incident was more destructive.
  • The FBI and local authorities believe the incidents are connected to a prior fire on October 8 in Vancouver.
  • Surveillance captured a vehicle linked to the Portland fire; an investigation is ongoing.

Arson Attacks on Ballot Boxes

Incendiary devices were set off at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, destroying numerous ballots. Police indicate these acts were deliberate, coordinated efforts to disrupt the electoral process before Election Day. These incidents led to the destruction of hundreds of ballots, specifically in the Vancouver incident, which saw a larger scale of damage compared to Portland’s three affected ballots.

Local officials have taken immediate action in response to these attacks. Clark County, Washington, has increased the frequency of ballot collection and employed 24-hour monitors to secure drop box sites. These measures are part of a broader effort to safeguard electoral integrity and reassure the public of a fair voting process.

Political and Public Response

“It’s a direct attack on democracy,” remarked Greg Kimsey, highlighting the magnitude of the threat posed by these incendiary attacks ahead of the heated election period. Such statements reinforce the critical need to secure voting processes against acts of intimidation and vandalism.

Ballot drop boxes have been under scrutiny in recent years. Since 2020, six states have banned or restricted the use of ballot drop boxes, citing concerns about security. In this climate, the incidents only exacerbate fears about election security.

Investigations and Security Measures

The FBI and local police are actively investigating the ballot box fires, believed to be linked to similar previous incidents. Surveillance footage has identified a vehicle connected to the Portland fire, as authorities pursue leads. The ongoing investigation aims to prevent further assaults on democracy as Election Day approaches.

“We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process,” affirmed Washington Secretary of State Steven Hobbs, emphasizing the importance of protecting election workers and infrastructure from violence.

Security around ballot drop boxes is being enhanced, with officials urging voters to stay vigilant. Voters are encouraged to verify their ballot status online and request replacements if needed due to damages. Such preventive measures are critical to maintaining public trust and protecting a secure electoral outcome.

Sources

  1. Hundreds of US ballots destroyed after drop boxes targeted by fire
  2. Fires set in drop boxes destroy hundreds of ballots in Washington and damage 3 in Oregon
  3. Arson destroys hundreds of ballots inside a Washington state drop box

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