Authorities are currently investigating fires that occurred at two ballot boxes in the Portland, Oregon, area on Monday morning. The Portland Police Bureau responded to a call about a fire at around 3:30 a.m., where an 'incendiary device' was found inside the box. Fortunately, security personnel were able to extinguish the fire, and nearly all the ballots were protected by fire suppressant, although three were damaged.
The FBI's Seattle office is working with state and local law enforcement agencies to investigate the incidents in Portland and nearby Vancouver, Washington. In Vancouver, a ballot box at a bus station was set on fire, damaging hundreds of ballots. Officials are urging voters who used the affected boxes during specific timeframes to contact the respective elections offices to ensure the status of their ballots.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the fires, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the democratic process. Despite the incidents, he expressed confidence in the county elections officials' ability to ensure the safety and security of the elections for all voters.
These incidents come amidst a backdrop of heightened concerns over election-related violence, with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issuing a bulletin warning about potential threats from domestic extremists. The bulletin highlighted the vulnerability of publicly accessible locations, such as ballot drop boxes, as potential targets for violent acts.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the electoral process and ensuring that all voters can participate in a safe and secure manner. Authorities are actively investigating the fires and taking steps to address any damages to the ballots and reassure voters that their voices will be heard.
