Arson Attacks on Ballot Drop Boxes in Oregon and Washington Highlight Voting Security Concerns

People in line at voting booths.

Ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington were targeted by arsonists, destroying hundreds of votes and sparking an FBI investigation just days before the election.

At a Glance

  • FBI investigating multiple ballot box fires across Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA
  • Hundreds of ballots destroyed in Vancouver; three damaged in Portland
  • Local officials providing replacement ballots to affected voters
  • Authorities increase security measures around remaining ballot drop boxes
  • Incidents occur less than two weeks before Election Day, raising concerns

FBI Launches Investigation into Ballot Box Fires

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has initiated an inquiry into a series of ballot drop box fires that occurred in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. The incidents, which took place less than two weeks before Election Day, have raised significant concerns about election security and the integrity of the voting process in these areas.

In Vancouver, Washington, an incendiary device attached to a ballot drop box resulted in the destruction of hundreds of ballots. Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, a similar device damaged three ballots inside a drop box. These attacks appear to be linked to a previous attempt to set a Vancouver ballot drop box on fire on October 8, indicating a potentially coordinated effort to disrupt the electoral process.

Local Authorities Respond to the Crisis

In response to these alarming incidents, local authorities have taken swift action to mitigate the damage and prevent future attacks. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey has called the incidents a “direct attack on democracy” and urged affected voters to contact his office for replacement ballots. The county has also implemented enhanced security measures, including increased ballot collection frequency and 24/7 monitoring of drop boxes until the election concludes.

“Heartbreaking. It’s a direct attack on democracy.” – Greg Kimsey

Law enforcement agencies have released surveillance photos of a suspect vehicle, described as a dark-colored Volvo, and have increased patrols around remaining ballot drop boxes. The US Department of Homeland Security has also issued warnings about social media posts promoting the destruction of ballot boxes, highlighting the broader context of election security concerns.

Impact on Upcoming Elections and Political Response

The timing of these attacks is particularly concerning, as they occurred in the midst of a competitive congressional race in Washington’s 3rd district. Both the Democratic candidate, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, and the Republican candidate, Joe Kent, have strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the importance of protecting 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.” – Marie Gluesenkamp Perez

These incidents have reignited the national debate over ballot drop box security, which has been a contentious issue since the 2020 election. Six Republican-dominated states have banned the use of drop boxes, while others have imposed restrictions on their use. However, Washington and Oregon, both vote-by-mail states, have long relied on ballot drop boxes as a convenient and secure method for voters to submit their ballots early.

Ensuring Election Integrity and Voter Participation

As the investigation continues, election officials are working diligently to ensure that all affected voters have the opportunity to cast their ballots. Voters in both states are being encouraged to check their ballot status online and obtain replacements if necessary. The incidents have underscored the importance of robust election security measures and the need for vigilance in protecting the democratic process.

“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.” – Secretary of State Steven Hobbs

As Election Day approaches, local and federal authorities remain on high alert, working to prevent any further attacks on voting infrastructure. The resilience of the electoral system is being tested, but officials are committed to ensuring that every legitimate vote is counted and that the voice of the people is heard, despite these attempts at interference.

Sources:

  1. Fires set in drop boxes destroy hundreds of ballots in Washington and damage 3 in Oregon
  2. Hundreds of US ballots destroyed after drop boxes targeted by fire
  3. Ballot drop boxes set on fire in Oregon and Washington

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