Two ballot drop boxes in the Portland, Oregon, area caught fire early Monday, prompting the FBI to launch an investigation. This troubling incident has raised concerns about election security in the final days before Election Day. The incidents affected ballot boxes in two cities less than 10 miles apart: Portland, where an incendiary device was placed inside a drop box, and Vancouver, Washington, where a device was affixed to the outside of another box. Officials report that the Vancouver fire damaged or destroyed hundreds of ballots, including three in Portland.
Local police have connected the two events, characterizing them as “very similar” to a previous, ultimately unsuccessful attempt on October 8 in Vancouver. Portland police released an image of a dark-colored Volvo believed to be connected to the incidents, with the car reportedly being seen in the area around the time the fires occurred, prompting the authorities to seek information from the public.
In September, the Department of Homeland Security issued an alert about the online promotion of ballet box destruction as a means of disrupting the election. States like Oregon and Washington widely use dedicated ballot drop boxes, which enable voters to submit their ballots early and avoid standing in line on Election Day. However, recent incidents of ballot box sabotage underscore a broader trend of threats and attacks targeting election infrastructure.
Authorities are taking precautions in the wake of these incidents, replacing the damaged drop box, and advising individuals who had deposited ballots between Saturday and Monday to contact their local elections office. Officials in Portland have also contacted the three voters impacted by the incident to guarantee they receive replacement ballots. Police in both cities plan to increase their patrols around ballot drop boxes to deter any additional attempts to interfere with voting.
Although the FBI has not yet identified suspects or motives, there are ongoing investigations in both Portland and Vancouver. As Election Day nears, these incidents underscore the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the electoral process. Authorities hope that increased patrols and community awareness will deter further acts and allow voters to participate in a safe and secure election process.
