Authorities in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, opened investigations after two ballot boxes were set on fire early Monday morning. In Portland, an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to start the fire. Police also found a suspicious device next to a ballot box in Vancouver. The incidents occurred within hours of each other, prompting concerns about potential election tampering.
The ballot box fire in Portland was reported around 3:30 a.m., and security guards in the area had already extinguished the flames by the time officers arrived. Most of the ballots in the box were undamaged, with only three needing replacement. The police bomb squad was called to clear the incendiary device found inside the box. Authorities in Multnomah County and Vancouver are collaborating in investigating the incidents, with specialized units focused on fire investigations and accelerant detection involved in the process.
Law enforcement in Portland released photos of a vehicle believed to be connected to the ballot box fire. The vehicle, described as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60, is also suspected to be linked to the Vancouver incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information on the fires to come forward and assist in the investigations. The FBI is also involved in coordinating efforts to determine the responsibility for the incidents and track down those involved.
In Vancouver, the ballot box fire occurred shortly after the Portland incident, prompting a response from the local police and fire department. The FBI confirmed its involvement in the investigation of both incidents. The Clark County Auditor reported that the impacted ballots in Vancouver number in the hundreds, with the exact count to be determined later. Measures have been put in place to increase surveillance and security around ballot drop boxes in response to the fires, with increased patrols and monitoring until Election Day.
The incidents in Portland and Vancouver are not the first time authorities have dealt with potential threats to ballot boxes in the region. Earlier in October, a suspicious device was found near a ballot box in Vancouver, prompting a response from the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit. No one was injured, and the ballot box was not compromised. These incidents raise concerns about the integrity and security of the election process, with officials working to ensure that voters can safely and securely cast their ballots leading up to Election Day.
As investigations continue, authorities are working to establish a clear understanding of the events that led to the ballot box fires in Portland and Vancouver. Collaboration among law enforcement agencies and specialized units is key to identifying those responsible for the incidents and ensuring that similar acts of tampering do not occur in the future. The incidents highlight the importance of maintaining the security and sanctity of the electoral process, particularly in a highly charged political climate leading up to a crucial election.
