Poli Alert Politics & Civics
Related Articles
Jimmy Williams
Early Monday, ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and neighboring Vancouver, Washington, were set on fire in suspected arson attacks, damaging ballots and heightening concerns about election security. Authorities are investigating the incidents, which they believe may be connected, as both fires were set using “incendiary devices” and a similar vehicle was spotted at each location.
“Officers determined an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to ignite the fire,” the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. In Vancouver, local police reported that a similar device was found, which they described as “suspicious.” Officials believe the two attacks were connected and called the incidents “targeted and intentional.”
The Portland ballot box fire was reported around 3:30 a.m. near the city’s Central District. Security personnel quickly extinguished the flames, and officers later found that three ballots had been damaged. In Vancouver, the fire was discovered about a half-hour later at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Depot, with potentially “hundreds” of ballots affected, according to Clark County auditor Greg Kimsey.
“Anyone who dropped a ballot into this box after 11 a.m. on Saturday should contact our office immediately to confirm its status,” Kimsey advised, noting that his office is working with law enforcement to track and verify damaged ballots.
Following the incidents, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon said it would increase security patrols around ballot drop boxes, assuring voters that nearly all ballots in Portland were spared. “Fire suppressant inside the ballot box protected virtually all the ballots,” read a statement from the Multnomah County Elections Office. “Voters should be assured that even if their ballots were in the affected box, their votes will be counted.”
In response to the attacks, both cities’ police departments have initiated investigations and involved the FBI. “We will work closely with federal authorities to ensure these incidents are fully investigated,” said a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, who declined to give further details on the incendiary devices involved.
The suspected arson attacks come amid rising fears of election-related violence and tampering. Election officials nationwide are on high alert, with many jurisdictions adding extra security measures as the Nov. 7 election approaches. In some areas, election officials have reported threats of political violence, prompting localities to introduce additional security measures around ballot drop boxes.
Portland’s Mayor Ted Wheeler issued a statement Monday condemning the attacks and emphasizing the city’s commitment to election integrity. “The safety and security of our voting systems are non-negotiable,” Wheeler said. “These attacks are unacceptable, and I have full confidence that authorities will hold those responsible accountable.”
Vancouver is located in Washington’s competitive 3rd Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat, is facing Republican challenger Joe Kent in a tight race. Following the arson attack, Gluesenkamp Perez called for heightened security around ballot boxes. “Southwest Washington cannot risk a single vote being lost to arson or political violence,” she said in a statement.
Joe Kent, the Republican candidate, also condemned the incidents, calling on his supporters to “stay focused on voter turnout.” He added on X, “Whoever is behind this attack on our democratic process will be found.”
Monday’s attacks come amid increased scrutiny over ballot box security after a similar incident occurred in Phoenix last week. In that case, a U.S. Postal Service mailbox containing several ballots was set on fire. Police later arrested a suspect who admitted to the crime but denied political motives.
As Election Day nears, federal and local law enforcement agencies are ramping up efforts to secure election infrastructure and ensure that every ballot cast is counted. The FBI and local authorities have urged citizens with any knowledge of the attacks in Portland and Vancouver to contact their local police departments.
