Ballot Drop Boxes Set Ablaze in Washington and Oregon, Hundreds of Ballots Destroyed Ahead of Election

Authorities in Washington and Oregon are bracing for potential violence related to claims of election fraud, as two ballot drop boxes were set on fire just a week before Election Day. The incidents occurred in Portland and Vancouver, with the Vancouver drop box sustaining significant damage.

Incident Details

Early Monday morning, two ballot boxes were set ablaze in Portland and Vancouver, with the latter located just 10 miles from Portland. Despite the successful recovery of most ballots from the Portland box, approximately 475 damaged ballots were recovered from the Vancouver drop box. Clark County Auditor, Greg Kimsey, expressed confidence that they would be able to identify the majority of the voters affected.

Extent of Damage

Kimsey suspects that some ballots may have been completely destroyed by the fire in the Vancouver box, as there was a significant amount of ash at the bottom of the box. Fortunately, in Portland, only three out of hundreds of ballots were damaged due to the prompt action of suppression devices inside the box. On the other hand, the fire suppression devices in the Vancouver box appeared to have been ineffective.

Assistance for Affected Voters

To assist voters whose ballots may have been lost in the fire, Kimsey advised checking their ballot's status online at votewa.gov, where they can confirm whether their ballot has been received. Additionally, Clark County election officials will automatically send new ballots to the affected voters' addresses if they can be identified. Authorities in Portland are also reaching out directly to voters whose ballots were undamaged.

Investigation Underway

The investigation into the incidents is being led by the FBI, which has identified the suspect's vehicle as a dark gray 2001 to 2004 Volvo sedan. Complicating the investigation further is the fact that the vehicle had no front license plate, and the back license plate is unreadable from surveillance images. Local authorities have described the incidents as targeted and intentional, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Heightened Security Measures

In response to the incidents, officials in Clark County will assign ballot box observers to monitor all ballot drop boxes 24/7, in addition to increasing patrols around the boxes leading up to Election Day. Similarly, election officials in Portland plan to implement increased security measures and additional patrols to ensure the safety of the ballots and the voting process.

Heightened Awareness and Precaution

These incidents have raised concerns among election officials, prompting heightened awareness and precautionary measures to safeguard the electoral process. The potential for targeted violence, coupled with the threat to the sanctity of the ballot, underscores the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of the elections.

As authorities investigate these incidents, it is crucial for voters to stay informed and vigilant, taking necessary steps to protect their ballots and participate in the democratic process. The resolution of this situation will not only impact the affected voters but also the overall confidence in the electoral system.