A series of suspicious fires targeting ballot drop boxes across the Pacific Northwest has triggered an investigation by local law enforcement and the FBI.
According to The Western Journal, two ballot drop box fires in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, have been linked to each other, along with another incident from three weeks ago in Vancouver.
Police officials have identified a pattern suggesting these were deliberate acts aimed at disrupting the electoral process. The most recent fires occurred early Monday morning, with the Vancouver incident causing extensive damage to hundreds of ballots.
The Vancouver fire, discovered around 4 a.m. Monday, left hundreds of ballots damaged beyond recognition. Election officials confirmed that the last ballot collection from the targeted drop box had occurred at 11 a.m. on Saturday, leaving many ballots vulnerable to destruction.
Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan addressed the connection between the incidents. She stated:
We don't know the motive behind these acts — it sounds like a series of three at this point — but we do know that acts like this are targeted, and they're intentional. And we're concerned about that intentional act trying to affect the election process.
Law enforcement has distributed surveillance photos of a potential suspect vehicle, identified as a Volvo S-60 manufactured between 2001 and 2004.
The Portland ballot box contained an effective fire suppression system that minimized the damage, with only three ballots affected. Officials have assured voters that they will contact those whose ballots were damaged to arrange for replacement submissions.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey acknowledged that while their drop boxes have contained fire suppression devices for the past four years, the system in the targeted Vancouver box malfunctioned. New devices had been installed in recent months, but the failure has prompted a review of security measures.
Election officials are now implementing additional safeguards to protect future ballots. Changes include modified retrieval schedules and encouraging voters to submit their ballots before evening hours.
The attacks have prompted election officials to reassess and enhance their security protocols. Clark County is actively seeking more effective fire suppression devices to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Elections Director Tim Scott reassured voters about the integrity of the voting system. He emphasized that multiple security measures remain in place to protect ballot safety and ensure votes are properly counted.
Local authorities are working closely with federal investigators to identify those responsible for the attacks. The involvement of the FBI underscores the severity of these incidents and their potential impact on electoral integrity.
This series of attacks follows a similar incident in Phoenix, Arizona, where a mailbox fire earlier this month resulted in ballot damage. However, police made an arrest in that case and determined it was not election-related. The investigation continues as officials work to ensure the security of remaining ballot drop boxes and maintain the integrity of the upcoming election. Voters affected by the incidents will be contacted and provided with instructions for recasting their ballots.
