Ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were set ablaze early Monday, escalating concerns about election security and voter intimidation.
OPB reported that investigators believe the arson attacks, which destroyed hundreds of ballots, are connected and represent a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process.
The incidents unfolded in the early hours, starting in Vancouver where an incendiary device obliterated numerous ballots. Shortly thereafter, Portland witnessed a similar assault, though quick action limited the damage.
Both attacks utilized devices designed to heat rapidly and ignite contents within the ballot boxes. The Portland fire was controlled quickly with only minor harm, while the Vancouver fire led to significant ballot destruction.
Mike Benner from the Portland Police Bureau highlighted the linkage between these incidents and another attempted arson earlier this month. "There was enough evidence collected at all three scenes that lead us to believe that all three incidents are connected," he noted.
In response to these events, law enforcement agencies have boosted their surveillance and patrol frequencies around ballot drop boxes to deter future incidents.
Vancouver’s interim police chief, Troy Price, emphasized the community's safety measures, stating, "We have developed a plan to ensure that we are keeping an eye on the boxes as much as possible with increased patrols."
Additionally, both targeted ballot boxes had been fitted with fire suppression systems. However, in Vancouver, the system failed to activate properly, leading to greater loss.
Greg Kimsey, Clark County Auditor, expressed his disappointment with the fire suppression system’s malfunction, simply stating, "Doesn’t appear it worked very well." Meanwhile, Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade condemned the attacks. "An attack on a ballot box is an attack on our democracy and completely unacceptable," she declared.
Political figures also voiced their outrage. U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez responded to the incidents by affirming, "There is absolutely zero place in our democracy for political violence or interference against our fellow citizens, election workers, or voting infrastructure."
Officials are not only enhancing security but also reaching out to affected voters. Those whose ballots were destroyed are being issued replacements to ensure their votes count.
Scott from the Multnomah County elections office shared his concern, "This is the first time any incident has occurred as far as I’m aware, in my over two decades in elections," indicating the unprecedented nature of these attacks.
Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan of the Portland Police Bureau stressed the targeted nature of these acts, "We’re concerned about that intentional act trying to impact the election process," though the exact motives remain unknown.
Clark County has taken further steps by positioning election office employees as observers around the clock at each of their 22 ballot drop boxes. Greg Kimsey assured the public of thorough monitoring throughout the election period.
Governor Tina Kotek reiterated the commitment to protecting voters, stating, "Voter intimidation of any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election is un-American and will not be tolerated."
The FBI's involvement signifies the seriousness of the investigations into these attacks, as federal and local authorities collaborate to prevent any further interference with the electoral process.
