Officials in southwest Washington state are investigating an act of arson that damaged ballots in ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. The incident, described as a direct attack on democracy, occurred just days before Election Day.
About 475 damaged ballots were retrieved from a ballot box in Vancouver, while three ballots were damaged in a box in Portland. Authorities believe the fires were caused by incendiary devices placed on the outside of the boxes.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey stated that the damaged ballots are being sorted through to contact affected voters and provide them with replacement ballots. The damaged ballots are believed to be in good enough condition to determine the necessary voter information.
Although the ballot boxes were equipped with fire suppression systems, the system in the Vancouver box failed, resulting in more ballots being destroyed. Investigators have linked the fires on Monday to an incident on Oct. 8 when an incendiary device was placed at a different ballot drop box in Vancouver.
The Portland Police Bureau released surveillance photos of a vehicle believed to be connected to the ballot box fires. Authorities have not announced any arrests in connection with the incidents.
In response to the attacks, officials are increasing security measures around ballot drop box locations. Ballots will be retrieved more frequently, and police patrols will be heightened. The Clark County Elections Office employees will monitor ballot boxes 24/7 until the election concludes, contacting law enforcement if any suspicious activity is observed.
Voters who dropped off their ballots at the transit center box after a certain time are advised to contact the Clark County Auditor's office for replacement ballots. Voters are also encouraged to check the status of their ballots online at vote.wa.gov.
