In a disturbing turn of events, authorities in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are investigating two separate incidents of ballot drop box arson.
The attacks, which occurred on Monday, destroyed hundreds of ballots, casting a shadow over the upcoming presidential election.
Police suspect that the fires, both involving incendiary devices, were coordinated, with eyewitnesses reporting a similar vehicle at each scene. The incidents are also linked to a previous attack on a ballot box in Vancouver on October 8, where an incendiary device was used.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the attacks, labeling them “acts of terror” designed to disrupt the democratic process. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state,” Hobbs stated.
These incidents come at a time of heightened election tensions, with nearly 42 million ballots cast nationwide. Oregon and Washington, both vote-by-mail states, rely heavily on ballot drop boxes to facilitate the voting process.
To ensure their votes are counted, voters are advised to check the status of their ballots online. If a ballot is marked as “not received,” voters can print a replacement or visit their local elections office.
In Oregon and Washington, ballots are mailed to registered voters a few weeks before election day, with options to return them by mail or deposit them in drop boxes.
