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Federal investigation underway into Portland and Vancouver ballot box fires

October 30, 2024

Law enforcement investigates ballot box fires in Oregon and Washington

Federal and local law enforcement agencies are investigating separate fires that damaged ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, earlier this week, as reported by CNN.

Both incidents involved incendiary devices that destroyed hundreds of ballots and may be linked to a third similar occurrence earlier this month in Vancouver.

On Monday, October 28, 2024, Portland Police responded to a report of a fire at a ballot drop box in Southeast Portland at approximately 3:30 a.m.

Officers discovered an incendiary device had been attached to the side of the box, igniting a small fire.

Security personnel extinguished the fire quickly, with three ballots suffering damage and 409 ballots remaining intact due to a fire suppressant system within the box.

Approximately 15 miles north in Vancouver, Washington, a similar incident occurred.

Vancouver Police responded to a ballot box fire near a bus station, finding a suspicious device next to the box.

Clark County officials reported that while some ballots were salvageable, many had been destroyed, and efforts to recover voter information are ongoing.

Security concerns prompt increased patrols at ballot boxes

Following the incidents, authorities are focusing on enhanced security measures around ballot drop boxes in both Oregon and Washington.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced 24-hour security around drop-off locations statewide, emphasizing voter access to multiple secure ways to cast ballots.

Gov. Inslee said: “There are multiple ways for voters to cast their ballot and make sure their voice is heard.” Oregon officials condemned the incidents as well.

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade stated: “An attack on a ballot box is an attack on our democracy and completely unacceptable.”

Local law enforcement is working alongside federal agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, to examine the devices used in both incidents.

Federal officials noted that these attacks align with concerns raised in a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) bulletin, which highlighted possible threats to election infrastructure from individuals with election-related grievances.

Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner said: “We don’t know the motives behind these acts… but we do know that acts like this are targeted and intentional.”

Investigation seeks motive behind attacks on ballot drop boxes

Investigators are currently analyzing whether these actions were politically motivated or intended to disrupt public confidence and sow unrest.

The motive for these attacks remains unclear, but authorities continue to explore connections between the Portland and Vancouver incidents and an earlier case in Vancouver.

Local leaders are urging residents affected by the ballot box fires to take necessary steps to ensure their votes are counted.

Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott confirmed the installation of a new ballot box in Portland, with security efforts enhanced to prevent further issues as Election Day approaches.

Officials provide guidance for impacted voters

In response to the fires, local election officials have advised voters who submitted ballots at the affected drop boxes to verify their ballot’s status.

Portland voters who used the Southeast ballot box between 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 26, and 3:30 a.m. on Monday, October 28, should check with their local elections office.

Similarly, Vancouver voters who dropped off ballots between 11 a.m. on Saturday and 4 a.m. on Monday are encouraged to contact the Clark County Auditor’s Office or visit VoteWA.gov for assistance.

Officials in both states continue to coordinate efforts to issue replacement ballots to affected voters where possible.

Federal investigation underway into Portland and Vancouver ballot box fires: Summary

Federal and local authorities are investigating ballot drop box fires that occurred on October 28 in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, destroying hundreds of ballots.

Both incidents involved incendiary devices and are suspected to be connected to another fire in Vancouver earlier in October.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has ordered 24-hour security at ballot drop-off sites statewide, while Oregon officials condemned the acts as attacks on democratic processes.

Federal agencies, including the FBI, are participating in the investigation, examining potential motives and analyzing the devices.

Local election officials are working to support affected voters, advising them to check with county offices to confirm the status of ballots and obtain replacements if necessary.

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