Federal authorities are currently investigating a series of fires at ballot boxes in the Portland, Oregon, area. The incidents include two fires reported on Monday morning and another fire earlier this month. Authorities have determined that the fires are connected, with material from the incendiary devices linking them together.
Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, Mike Benner, stated that a 'suspect vehicle' was identified leaving the scene of the first fire. The authorities believe that the fires in Portland and Vancouver, Washington, are related to a similar incident that occurred last month.
The FBI's Seattle office has joined the investigation, collaborating with state and local law enforcement agencies. The first fire was reported in Portland around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, where an incendiary device was placed inside a ballot box. Fortunately, security personnel were able to extinguish the fire, although three ballots were damaged.
In Vancouver, Washington, a ballot box at a bus station was set on fire early Monday morning. Police found a suspicious device next to the box, which was smoking and on fire. A similar incident involving an incendiary device at a ballot box in Vancouver occurred on October 8.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the fires and confirmed that some ballots were damaged. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of election workers and denounced any acts of violence that threaten the democratic process.
Despite the incidents, election officials are working diligently to ensure that all affected ballots are counted. Voters who dropped their ballots at the affected boxes are encouraged to contact the respective elections divisions for assistance.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade described the fires as an attack on democracy and emphasized that there is no justification for attempting to disenfranchise voters.
These incidents come amidst concerns raised by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security about potential violence related to election grievances. The agencies warned that domestic extremists may target publicly accessible locations, including ballot drop boxes, in the lead-up to the November election.
