In an alarming series of events, ballot boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were set on fire early Monday morning, destroying hundreds of ballots and raising security concerns ahead of the upcoming election. Authorities responded quickly, with the FBI, Portland Police Bureau, and local fire units actively investigating what may have been coordinated attacks on the ballot drop-off locations.
Incendiary Devices Spark Fires at Ballot Drop-Off Locations in Oregon and Washington
In Portland, an incendiary device placed inside the ballot box ignited the fire. It occurred around 3:30 a.m. near the Multnomah County Elections Division office. Security guards in the area managed to extinguish the blaze before police arrived and discovered the incendiary device used to start the fire. The bomb squad cleared the scene as officials began investigating the attack in collaboration with the Portland Fire Investigations Unit. “This partnership enhances our ability to analyze fire-related incidents with specialized equipment and skills, including accelerant-detecting dogs,” read a statement from the Portland Police Bureau. Additionally, authorities urge anyone with information to reach out to Detective Meredith Hopper or use the fire unit’s tip line.
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FBI and Local Agencies Launch Investigation into “Ballot Boxes on Fire” Situation
Soon after, in Vancouver, Washington, a second ballot box fire was reported near the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center. Officers responded at approximately 4 a.m., finding the ballot box smoldering and hundreds of ballots damaged. Images shared by local ABC affiliate KATU-TV showed thick smoke rising from the scene and charred ballots scattered on the sidewalk. Vancouver’s Metro Explosive Disposal Unit secured the area and safely collected the incendiary device. According to Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, the ballot box at Fisher’s Landing was equipped with a fire suppression system, though it failed to prevent significant damage to the ballots. The FBI has launched a coordinated investigation, working with federal, state, and local agencies to identify the culprits.
This recent incident marks the second such threat this month in Vancouver. Earlier in October, police responded to a similar arson attempt. Furthermore, that attempt involved a suspicious device near a ballot box at 4 a.m., near several federal buildings. However, fortunately, that incident did not result in fire damage, and no ballots were compromised.
Law Enforcement and FBI Intensify Efforts to Protect Ballot Security
As the election nears, these incidents highlight ongoing security challenges for ballot drop boxes in the region. Law enforcement, alongside federal agencies, remains vigilant in addressing any further threats.
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