Federal authorities are currently investigating fires that damaged ballot boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, this month.
On Monday morning, two ballot box fires were reported in the Portland area, where one location saw hundreds of ballots destroyed.
Evidence from incendiary devices found at the scenes suggests these incidents, along with an earlier October 8 fire in Vancouver, are connected, said Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner.
Although most ballots in Portland were saved, hundreds were damaged or destroyed in Vancouver, election officials confirmed.
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A “suspect vehicle” — described as a dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 missing a front plate — was seen leaving the Portland fire scene, and police believe it is linked to both incidents in Vancouver, according to a news release.
“These appear to be intentional acts aimed at disrupting the election process,” stated Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to prevent similar incidents.
Meanwhile, the FBI has launched a “separate but parallel investigation,” as confirmed by their Seattle office.
In response, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced 24-hour enhanced security at ballot drop-off sites.
Voters in Vancouver are advised to contact the Clark County Auditor’s office or check VoteWA.gov if they believe their ballot may have been affected.
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Election officials noted that although many ballots were destroyed in the Vancouver fire, some may still be processed if partially preserved, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey said.
An incendiary device was also found in Vancouver earlier this month when a ballot box appeared smoky, according to Benner. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the attacks, saying, “We will not tolerate threats or violence against our democratic process.”
Portland election officials plan to contact affected voters using unique identifiers on ballot envelopes to arrange replacements.
Tim Scott, Multnomah County Elections Director, assured voters that any damaged ballots will be counted.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade denounced the incident as an “attack on democracy” and pledged that voter disenfranchisement will not be tolerated.
Enhanced fire suppression is now installed in all ballot boxes across Multnomah and Clark counties, with local officials committing to increased patrols around ballot sites.
In Clark County’s 3rd Congressional District, where Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces a competitive race, the congresswoman has requested overnight ballot box monitoring following the attacks.
Recent ballot box fires have also been reported nationwide, including an incident in Phoenix, Arizona, where a mailbox fire damaged ballots, leading to an arson charge.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security recently issued an intelligence bulletin warning of potential election-related violence, highlighting ballot boxes as possible targets for domestic extremists.
Benner stated Portland police are closely monitoring any threats related to ballot drop boxes or civil unrest.
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