Dropbox incendiary attacks damage ballots in Washington and Oregon News
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Dropbox incendiary attacks damage ballots in Washington and Oregon

Local police and the FBI are conducting an investigation following the detonation of incendiary devices in two ballot dropboxes early Monday morning, which damaged hundreds of ballots in Washington and Oregon. Authorities have assured the public that all affected individuals will have the opportunity to recast their votes. In Washington, voters are being encouraged to check online to see if their vote was impacted.

The two incidents, which took place in the neighboring cities of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are believed to be related. Police stated that they believe that the acts were intended to “affect the election process.” In Vancouver, hundreds of deposited ballots were affected. The Clark County Auditor’s office reported that all ballots unaffected by the fire have been processed, and voters are encouraged to check online to confirm whether their votes have been received. Those whose votes have not been received must request a new ballot by visiting, calling, or emailing the Elections Office. In Portland, Oregon, only three ballots were damaged. Multnomah County elections director Tim Scott stated that voters in Portland with compromised ballots could be easily identified by a ballot number that was not damaged in the incident. Elections officials will reach out to those impacted and recast votes must be submitted by election day on November 5.

Clark County Elections Office staff announced they will observe ballot drop boxes 24 hours a day until the election, in addition to an increased police presence. The office went on to assure the public that “employees will not confront anyone…[and] are there to observe and report any suspicious activities to the proper authorities.”

The Washington Attorney General referred to the incidents as “acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections.” According to reporting by the Guardian, the Department of Homeland Security has flagged election dropboxes as “attractive target[s] for some domestic violent extremists.” The motive of these attacks remains unknown, as the incidents continue to be investigated.

This comes after mailbox was set on fire in Phoenix on Thursday, destroying about 20 ballots.

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