Elections

Investigation Launched After Fires Damaged Ballot Drop Boxes in Portland and Vancouver

Main image to the post Investigation Launched After Fires Damaged Ballot Drop Boxes in Portland and Vancouver

Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating incidents that occurred early Monday when fires were ignited in ballot drop boxes located in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. These fires resulted in the destruction of numerous ballots. The Portland Police Bureau reported that a fire at one drop box, which occurred around 3:30 a.m., was determined to have been caused by an incendiary device. Thankfully, the fire suppression system in the drop box largely protected the ballots, with only three being damaged; election officials plan to reach out to those voters to assist them in obtaining replacement ballots.

A short time later, in Vancouver, smoke was seen billowing from a ballot drop box situated at a transit center. Vancouver, which is the largest city within Washington's 3rd Congressional District, is the focal point of a competitive U.S. House race. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey noted that the fire suppression system in the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center drop box failed, and responders discovered a charred pile of ballots inside, resulting in the loss of hundreds of votes. Surveillance cameras monitored the area around the drop box.

The last collection of ballots from the transit center occurred at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Individuals who cast their ballots in the drop box after that time were advised to reach out to the auditor's office for replacements. Kimsey stated that the office plans to increase the frequency of ballot collections and adjust collection times to evenings to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future. Earlier, on October 8, an incendiary device was also found near another ballot drop box in downtown Vancouver, but it did not cause any harm or damage.

In response to these events, the FBI has acknowledged its collaboration with various partners to investigate these incidents actively. They are encouraging anyone with information to contact the FBI. Washington's Secretary of State emphasized the state's zero tolerance for violence or threats aimed at disrupting electoral processes, condemning any acts of terrorism intended to undermine lawful voting. Voters are advised to check their ballot status online to ensure their votes have been received and are encouraged to seek replacement ballots if necessary. It is worth noting that both Washington and Oregon utilize mail-in voting, allowing registered voters to receive and return their ballots via mail or through drop boxes. Recently, a similar fire incident in Phoenix resulted in some ballot damage, highlighting concerns over ballot drop box security nationwide.

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May 21, 2023 | 05:09