Mysterious Arson Threatens Security of Ballot Drop Boxes in the Northwest

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Ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington were set ablaze, destroying hundreds of votes and raising alarms about election security.

At a Glance

  • Incendiary devices damaged ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington
  • Hundreds of ballots were destroyed in Vancouver; three were damaged in Portland
  • FBI is investigating the incidents, which are believed to be connected
  • Local officials are increasing security measures around ballot drop boxes
  • The attacks have drawn bipartisan condemnation as a threat to democracy

Ballot Box Fires Disrupt Voting in Pacific Northwest

In a disturbing turn of events, ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington have become targets of arson attacks, raising serious concerns about election security. The FBI is investigating incidents where incendiary devices were used to set fire to ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots.

The most severe damage occurred in Vancouver, where an incendiary device attached to a ballot drop box destroyed hundreds of votes. In Portland, a similar device inside a drop box damaged three ballots. These incidents are believed to be connected to a previous attempt to set a Vancouver ballot drop box on fire on October 8.

Officials Respond with Increased Security Measures

In response to these attacks, local authorities are taking swift action to protect the integrity of the upcoming election. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announced that ballot collection frequency will be increased, and workers will be hired to monitor drop boxes 24/7 until the election ends. Additionally, local police have pledged to increase patrols around ballot drop boxes to deter further attempts at sabotage.

Washington Secretary of State Steven Hobbs reinforced the state’s commitment to protecting the democratic process, stating, “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.”

Bipartisan Condemnation and Voter Reassurance

The attacks have drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum. In Washington’s competitive third congressional district, both Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Joe Kent denounced the incidents as unacceptable threats to the democratic process.

“There is absolutely zero place in our democracy for political violence or interference against our fellow citizens, election workers, or voting infrastructure. I hope the perpetrator of this reprehensible act is quickly apprehended – and local and federal law enforcement have my full support in working to keep our democratic process safe and secure,” said Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.

Authorities are working to mitigate the impact on affected voters. In Portland, officials are contacting voters whose ballots were damaged to issue replacements. Clark County is urging affected voters to contact the auditor’s office for replacement ballots. Voters in both states are encouraged to check their ballot status online and obtain replacements if necessary.

Broader Implications for Election Security

These incidents highlight ongoing debates about the security of ballot drop boxes. Since 2020, six Republican-dominated states have banned their use, while others have imposed restrictions. However, Washington and Oregon, both vote-by-mail states, have long relied on ballot drop boxes as a secure and convenient method for voters to submit their ballots early.

The US Department of Homeland Security had previously warned of social media content promoting the destruction of ballot boxes, underscoring the need for vigilance in protecting election infrastructure. As the investigation continues, with police releasing photos of a dark-colored Volvo linked to the incidents, the attacks serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing election officials in safeguarding the democratic process.

As Election Day approaches, these events have heightened tensions and reinforced the importance of secure and accessible voting options. While the incidents are deeply concerning, officials remain committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot safely and securely.

Sources:

Ballot drop boxes set on fire in Oregon and Washington

Fires set in drop boxes destroy hundreds of ballots in Washington and damage 3 in Oregon

Hundreds of US ballots destroyed after drop boxes targeted by fire