Authorities in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are currently investigating after two ballot boxes were set on fire in the early hours of Monday morning. The incidents have raised concerns about voter safety and the integrity of the upcoming election.
In Portland, an incendiary device was placed inside a ballot box, which was then set on fire, according to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Pacific time, and the ballot box was located in southeastern Portland near the Multnomah County Elections Division office. Fortunately, security guards in the area were able to extinguish the fire before it caused further damage.
When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the incendiary device inside the ballot box, which had been used to ignite the blaze. The bomb squad was called in to safely clear the device. The Portland Fire Investigations Unit is now working alongside the police bureau to investigate the incident and determine who is responsible.
Authorities in Portland are urging anyone with information about the ballot box fire to come forward and assist in the investigation. Detective Meredith Hopper is leading the case, and tips can also be reported through the fire investigation unit’s dedicated line.
Just across the state line in Vancouver, Washington, a similar incident occurred shortly after the Portland ballot box was set on fire. Vancouver police responded to reports of a ballot box on fire near the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center around 4 a.m. Thick smoke was seen rising from the ballot box, and burning ballots were found scattered on the sidewalk.
Members of the city’s Metro Explosive Disposal Unit were able to extinguish the fire and safely collect the device. The FBI has now become involved in the investigation, working with federal, state, and local partners to determine the culprits behind these acts of arson.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey revealed that the ballot box in Vancouver had a fire suppression system installed, but for unknown reasons, it failed to work effectively. As a result, hundreds of ballots were destroyed in the fire, raising concerns about the impact on the upcoming election.
This is not the first time Vancouver has dealt with incidents involving ballot boxes. Earlier in October, the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit had to destroy another suspicious device found near a ballot box. Fortunately, in that instance, the ballot box remained intact, and no injuries were reported.
The FBI’s involvement in the investigation underscores the seriousness of these incidents and the need to ensure the safety and security of the electoral process. The agency is working diligently to identify those responsible for the arson attacks in both Portland and Vancouver, and bring them to justice.
These attacks on ballot boxes highlight the importance of safeguarding the democratic process and protecting the rights of voters to cast their ballots without fear of intimidation or interference. Authorities in both Portland and Vancouver are committed to ensuring that such incidents do not undermine the integrity of the upcoming election and are taking all necessary steps to prevent future attacks.
As the investigations continue, it is crucial for the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information that may help authorities in their efforts to hold the perpetrators accountable. The FBI, along with local law enforcement agencies, are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these acts of vandalism are brought to justice and that the electoral process remains secure and free from interference.
In the face of these challenges, it is essential for all citizens to come together and uphold the principles of democracy by participating in the electoral process and protecting the integrity of our elections. By standing united against such acts of sabotage, we can ensure that the voices of the people are heard and that the democratic process remains strong and resilient in the face of adversity.
