Hundreds of election ballots in the United States were destroyed following attacks on two drop boxes—one in Oregon and another in Washington state. Authorities suspect the incidents are interconnected.
Details of the Incidents
The first drop box was targeted in Portland, Oregon, during the early hours of Monday, followed by an attack on a second box in Vancouver, Washington, just hours later. Incendiary devices were affixed to the outside of both boxes, prompting the involvement of the FBI in the investigation.
Officials Respond
Greg Kimsey, the elected auditor for Clark County, Washington, which includes Vancouver, expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s heartbreaking. It’s a direct attack on democracy.” Although both boxes were equipped with fire suppression systems, the one in Vancouver failed to function properly, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots.
Connections to Previous Incidents
At a press conference in Portland, officials confirmed that they recovered enough materials from the incendiary devices to link the two fires on Monday. They believe these attacks are also related to a previous incident on October 8, where an incendiary device was placed at another ballot drop box in Vancouver, though no ballots were harmed in that instance. In Portland, officials reported that only three ballots were destroyed during the recent attacks.
Concerns Ahead of Election Day
With Election Day less than ten days away, the incidents have raised concerns and anxiety among voters. Vancouver is the largest community in Washington’s third congressional district, where Democratic incumbent Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is facing a challenge from Republican Joe Kent.
The Political Landscape
The race has been intense, particularly since Perez narrowly won the seat in 2022 by fewer than 3,000 votes. Kent, a former member of the US military’s Special Forces, has the endorsement of Donald Trump, adding to the stakes of the contest.
Reactions from Candidates
Both candidates condemned the attacks and expressed their commitment to ensuring the election process remains unimpeded. Perez called for a police presence at all ballot drop boxes in Clark County until Election Day, asserting that “there is absolutely zero place in our democracy for political violence or interference.” She urged swift action to apprehend the perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of protecting the right to vote.
In a video posted on social media, Kent echoed these sentiments, urging his supporters to remain undeterred and expressing confidence in law enforcement’s ability to resolve the situation.
Surveillance Footage
Reports indicated that surveillance cameras captured a vehicle, identified as a Volvo, pulling up to the Portland drop box shortly before a fire was discovered inside.
Political Context
Ballot drop boxes have faced growing scrutiny from Republicans, often becoming the center of unfounded conspiracy theories, particularly related to former President Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 election. Designed to be tamper-resistant, these boxes are typically placed outside election offices, libraries, and other government buildings to facilitate ballot drop-off.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, six Republican-led states—Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and South Dakota—banned the use of ballot drop boxes altogether.
