As early voting for the U.S. presidential election continued, two separate incidents of ballot drop box fires shook the communities of Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Authorities report that the fires destroyed hundreds of ballots in each location. Both incidents are under active investigation, with early indications suggesting that the arson may have been coordinated, adding further tension as Election Day approaches.
Witnesses and police reported that both fires involved incendiary devices, and surveillance footage identified a similar vehicle at each scene, hinting at a possible link between the two attacks. This series of incidents marks the second ballot box attack in the region this month.
Earlier, on October 8, a similar incendiary device was used in another attack on a ballot drop box in Vancouver. Law enforcement agencies are now examining these events to determine if they are connected, aiming to find those responsible.
Oregon and Washington, both primarily vote-by-mail states, rely heavily on ballot drop boxes for secure and accessible voting. The attacks have alarmed election officials, with many viewing the incidents as a direct attempt to undermine the election process.
Steve Hobbs, Washington’s Secretary of State, responded firmly, condemning the arson attacks as “acts of terror” that threaten the foundation of democracy. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state,” Hobbs stated.
Election officials have urged voters to verify the status of their ballots online to ensure their votes are counted. Voters whose ballots appear as “not received” are encouraged to either print a replacement or visit their local elections office to submit their vote in person. This measure aims to help voters quickly resolve any issues and reduce the impact of these incidents.
As early voting numbers climb, with nearly 42 million ballots already cast nationwide, these attacks come at a critical moment in the election cycle. Many voters are relying on ballot drop boxes as their preferred method to submit votes securely.
Washington and Oregon, which send mail-in ballots to all registered voters weeks in advance, provide multiple options for returning ballots, including mail and drop boxes. The states’ reliance on these systems reflects their commitment to accessible voting for all, despite the challenges posed by recent events.
