Shockwaves have reverberated through the nation as it learned of this shocking twist of events. Days before a highly awaited election, two ballot drop boxes had been torched. Such an incident brings up hard questions about election security and intimidation of voters. Here’s everything we know about this incident as investigations continue to unfold.
Summary of the incidents
Reports are coming in about fires at ballot drop boxes in the morning of October 28, 2024, in both Portland and Vancouver. Investigators have confirmed that an incendiary device was used to ignite a fire inside one of the drop boxes around 3:30 a.m. An internal fire suppression system dampened the blaze inside the box and only three ballots were damaged. By comparison, the Vancouver incident resulted in hundreds more damages; hundreds of ballots were destroyed after the fire suppression system was unable to activate.
Officials have said they think the two incidents were related to a third, earlier this month when another incendiary device was found in a Vancouver ballot box. Mike Benner, a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson, declared that these acts are treated as intentional against the electoral process.
Impact on ballots and voter confidence
These fires have distinctly rattled voter confidence in both states. In Vancouver, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey reported that many ballots were completely destroyed or severely damaged from water and fire exposure. Election officials encourage those voters who dropped off their ballots after 11 a.m. on Saturday to call for replacements. Alternatively, voters can go to this website to check if their ballot was received.
Election officials in Portland had already contacted the three voters who were affected and provided them with replacement ballots. Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott reassured voters that even if their ballots had been in the affected box, their votes would be counted.
Security measures and responses
Following the incidents, Oregon and Washington worked quickly to install security into the ballot drop boxes. According to a statement by Governor Jay Inslee, Washington state would add additional security at all the drop-off sites for ballots, around the clock in Clark County. Meanwhile, Multnomah County hired private security officers who patrol around its ballot boxes day and night.
Meanwhile, Clark County would be collecting the ballots more frequently and changing collection times so that the boxes are never full during the night, which is considered the time when vandalism is most possible. Both of these counties have reassured their concern for ensuring voters to vote safely without any intimidation and violence.
Investigations underway
These incidents remain under investigation by local law enforcement in coordination with federal authorities, to include the FBI. Authorities review several surveillance cameras for suspects in these arson cases. One suspect vehicle was identified; a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 that may be associated with these incidents.
Portland Police Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan said, “While the motives for these attacks are not yet known, the attacks do appear to be very focused on their intended targets. They do seem to be attempting to impede the process of an election.” A number of public officials in both states have decried the actions as an attack on democracy.
Reaction and public statements
Public officials have expressed outrage at the incidents. Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade characterized the fires as “an attack on our democracy” and emphasized that there is never any excuse to disenfranchise voters. Her sentiments were echoed by Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, who termed the fires “acts of terror” against the electoral process.
Local officials also joined in, speaking about the violence. U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez called for increased security around ballot boxes within her district, adding that no vote should be lost to “an act of political violence.”
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