Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were damaged in a suspected arson attack just over a week before Election Day, destroying hundreds of ballots in Vancouver, Washington and a limited number in Portland, Oregon. Police believe the fires were started by incendiary devices and are reviewing surveillance footage to identify the responsible parties. The incidents are believed to be related to a previous arson attack in Vancouver on October 8th. Election officials are working to contact affected voters and provide them with replacements for their damaged ballots.
Drop boxes have been used for years in states like Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, where all registered voters receive mail-in ballots. The use of drop boxes increased in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide voters with a safe and convenient way to submit their ballots. 27 states and the District of Columbia allow the use of drop boxes, with some states having specific laws regulating their placement and security measures. Despite sporadic incidents of vandalism and arson over the years, drop boxes have been a trusted method for voters to return their ballots securely.
Security measures for drop boxes include locating them in high-traffic areas that are familiar to voters, such as libraries and community centers. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency advises that drop boxes should be locked at all times if unstaffed, monitored by video surveillance cameras, and located in well-lit areas. Many drop boxes are bolted to the ground or confined to public buildings during business hours. However, incidents of vandalism, arson, and conspiracy theories have raised concerns about the security and integrity of drop boxes.
Conspiracy theories surrounding drop boxes, such as false claims of massive voter fraud in the 2020 election, have contributed to doubts and concerns about their use. Right-wing conspiracy theories have targeted drop boxes, alleging fraudulent ballot activities in the dark of night. Despite these unfounded claims, an Associated Press survey found no widespread problems associated with drop boxes in 2020. Paranoia surrounding drop boxes led to armed vigilantes monitoring them in some states during the 2022 midterms, with some restrictions placed by federal judges.
Following the 2020 election, Republican lawmakers in several states sought to tighten rules around mail voting, leading to restrictions on drop box usage in some states. Six states have banned drop boxes altogether, while others have restricted their use to one per county. Georgia’s Fulton County saw a reduction in drop box availability due to an election overhaul following false claims of a stolen election. Overall, 12 states prohibit drop boxes or do not list them as an approved method of returning a ballot. The debate over drop box usage has divided opinions along political lines in states like Wisconsin, where a conservative mayor removed a drop box prompting an investigation by the state Department of Justice.
In response to the suspected arson attacks on ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest, election officials are increasing security measures and monitoring procedures to ensure the safety of ballots. The incidents have raised concerns about the integrity of the election process and the need for vigilance in protecting voters’ rights to securely submit their ballots. Authorities continue to investigate the attacks and work towards identifying the individuals responsible for the destruction of hundreds of ballots in Vancouver and a limited number in Portland. As Election Day approaches, efforts are underway to restore confidence in the use of drop boxes and ensure that voters have access to secure and convenient methods for participating in the electoral process.
