Federal authorities are investigating a series of ballot box fires in the Pacific Northwest that occurred early Monday morning, with the FBI coordinating efforts across multiple jurisdictions. In two separate incidents in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, ballot boxes were set ablaze, raising concerns about the security of the voting process as ballots were potentially destroyed just days before the election.
The most serious incident took place in Vancouver, where a ballot box at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center was deliberately set on fire around 4 a.m., according to local authorities. Video footage captured smoke billowing from the box, which contained hundreds of ballots. First responders worked to extinguish the fire, but the damage was extensive. Only a few ballots are believed to be salvageable, officials said.
"The fire was reported at 4:00 a.m., and our officers found a suspicious device next to the smoking ballot box," stated the Vancouver Police Department. Officers, along with the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit, safely retrieved the device, which was initially feared to be a bomb but later determined not to be an explosive. Vancouver police have handed over the investigation to the FBI, which is now working to determine the cause and to identify the individual or individuals responsible.
Just hours earlier, Portland police had responded to a similar fire involving a ballot box in the Southeast area of the city. An incendiary device was discovered inside the box, which resulted in a small fire. Investigators reported that only three ballots were damaged in that incident. "We're reaching out to the affected voters so they can be issued replacement ballots," said Tim Scott, Multnomah County Elections Director, in a press release.
The Clark County Elections ballot drop box at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center was lit on fire this morning. Clark Co. Auditor Greg Kimsey says hundreds of ballots were inside at the time, the last pickup being 11AM Saturday. Full story here https://t.co/sYkz8ydEqH @KATUNews pic.twitter.com/a8vw0QXXoY — Evan Bell (@evanbellKATU) October 28, 2024
The FBI confirmed that they are investigating both incidents, suspecting a connection between the two. "We are coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to actively investigate the incidents in Vancouver and Portland," said Steve Bernd, spokesperson for the FBI's Seattle office. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information about the fires to contact their local FBI office or submit tips online.
While officials are still piecing together the exact details of the crimes, they emphasized that voters should not be discouraged. "We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process," said Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. He assured the public that measures are being taken to protect the integrity of the upcoming election.
This latest string of ballot box fires comes amid a highly competitive election season, particularly in Washington's 3rd Congressional District, where Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces a rematch against Republican Joe Kent. The district, which was won by Donald Trump in the 2020 election, has become a battleground in the race for control of the House of Representatives.
Although election-related arson is not new, the recent surge in such incidents has heightened concerns about domestic threats to election security. A report from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, obtained by CNN, warned of potential extremist violence targeting public election infrastructure in the lead-up to and following the election. According to the bulletin, domestic violent extremists may see easily accessible sites like ballot drop boxes as "attractive targets" for disrupting the democratic process.
The Vancouver and Portland ballot box fires are just the latest in a string of arson attacks on voting infrastructure across the country. Last week, a similar incident occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, where a mailbox outside a post office was set on fire, damaging ballots. A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with arson, though police said the act did not appear to be politically motivated.
The Clark County Elections Office in Washington has issued a statement urging voters who deposited ballots in the Fisher's Landing Transit Center drop box after 11 a.m. on Saturday to contact them immediately. Voters are also encouraged to track the status of their ballots online and request a replacement if necessary. Laura Shepard, a spokeswoman for the City of Vancouver, echoed that message, emphasizing that voter participation remains crucial, especially in such a tight election cycle.
"We understand that this incident may raise concerns, but we are working closely with local law enforcement and the FBI to ensure that voters are able to cast their ballots safely and securely," Shepard said.
Both Oregon and Washington have been widely recognized for their use of mail-in voting and ballot drop boxes, systems that are typically secure and trusted by voters. However, the recent attacks have prompted officials to review security measures and reassure the public that every effort is being made to maintain the integrity of the election process.
As the investigation continues, authorities are on high alert for any additional threats. Charges for the suspect or suspects involved in the arson could be severe, including counts of reckless burning, possession of a destructive device, and criminal mischief. Moreover, the suspects may face federal charges related to election tampering.
The FBI has not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation but stressed the importance of public cooperation. Anyone with information regarding the fires is encouraged to contact the FBI through its tip line or website.
