Citizens of Oregon and Washington set the ballot drop boxes on fire, leading to extensive damage and prompting an FBI investigation. Early Monday morning, fires broke out at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and nearby Vancouver, Washington, disrupting early voting processes and damaging hundreds of ballots. The incidents, described by local authorities as acts of arson, are now part of a federal inquiry, as law enforcement agencies work to secure ballot drop locations across both states.
Fires in Oregon and Washington Cause Widespread Damage
In Portland, an incendiary device was placed inside a ballot drop box in the southeastern part of the city, leading to a fire that damaged three ballots. Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Washington, located less than 10 miles from Portland, officials reported that a device was attached to the outside of a ballot drop box, causing a fire that destroyed hundreds of ballots inside. Local law enforcement confirmed that these incidents are connected to an attempted attack on a Vancouver drop box on October 8.
Ballots from the affected Vancouver drop box had last been collected on Saturday morning, leaving ballots deposited over the weekend vulnerable to damage. Greg Kimsey, the election official overseeing the Vancouver district, announced that the drop box was immediately replaced and that officials are working to recover as many damaged ballots as possible. Kimsey urged any voter who used the drop box since Saturday to contact the elections office to verify their vote status.
FBI Investigation and Increased Security Measures
The FBI has now joined the investigation after citizens of Oregon and Washington set the ballot drop boxes on fire, considering the incidents to be part of a possible coordinated attempt to interfere with the electoral process. With local elections in progress, law enforcement agencies in both states have pledged increased surveillance around ballot drop box locations. Photos of a dark-colored Volvo linked to the incidents were released by Portland police, though no suspects have been publicly identified.
Portland police stated that the fires are “very similar” to earlier attempts to sabotage drop boxes, signaling the possibility of a pattern. Steven Hobbs, Washington’s Secretary of State, affirmed that the safety of both election officials and voters is a priority, warning that any acts of violence aimed at disrupting democratic processes will face severe penalties.
In response, authorities in Portland are actively contacting the three voters whose ballots were damaged in the fire to offer replacements. The Oregon Secretary of State’s office has also issued statements to reassure voters that all necessary measures are being taken to secure the integrity of their votes.
Growing Concerns Over Election Security
These ballot box fires come amidst heightened concerns about election security across the United States, where ballot drop boxes have been both praised for their convenience and criticized for perceived vulnerabilities. In September, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a warning about social media posts encouraging the destruction of ballot boxes. While Oregon and Washington have historically relied on mail-in voting, the recent incidents have raised questions about securing these ballot collection points as Election Day approaches.
In Washington, the Congressional race for the 3rd District, which includes Vancouver, is especially competitive. Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez narrowly won this seat in 2022 against Republican challenger Joe Kent, and the two are set for a rematch this November. Although both Oregon and Washington lean toward Democratic candidates in presidential elections, close Congressional races have increased attention on the security of local ballot measures.
Election Officials Address Voter Concerns
In light of the recent fires, election officials in both Oregon and Washington have been working to reassure voters of their options and the integrity of the ballot collection process. They have reminded the public that voting by mail remains a secure method, and additional ballot drop boxes are available at secure locations across both states. Kimsey emphasized that these incidents appear isolated and expressed hope that similar disruptions will not occur again.
As a preventive measure, local police in Vancouver and Portland are conducting regular patrols around ballot boxes and coordinating with federal agencies to monitor any potential threats. To address voter concerns, officials have established hotlines and online resources for individuals who wish to verify their ballot status and receive instructions on obtaining replacement ballots if needed.
Broader Implications for Voting Access and Security
The decision by some citizens of Oregon and Washington to set the ballot drop boxes on fire has highlighted the importance of election security in ensuring accessible voting. Recent incidents, including an unrelated ballot box fire in Phoenix, Arizona, have put additional scrutiny on how states protect ballot drop-off points. Election officials in Oregon and Washington have reiterated their commitment to democracy, stating that efforts to undermine the voting process will be countered with increased security and support for affected voters.
As these investigations continue, local authorities and federal agencies are likely to enhance surveillance and implement additional safeguards at voting locations. The incidents underscore the complexities of managing safe and accessible voting systems, especially in an era where ballot security has become a prominent issue for election officials and voters alike.
In the days leading up to Election Day, voters in both states are being advised to use mail-in voting where possible or to choose alternative ballot drop locations if they feel concerned about security. For now, officials are calling for calm and cooperation as they work to ensure that all ballots are securely counted.
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