San Francisco – In a troubling incident just days before the November 5 presidential election, hundreds of ballots were destroyed after incendiary devices were set off at ballot drop boxes in Washington and Oregon. Local officials reported that at least one ballot box in southeast Portland and another in Vancouver, Washington, were targeted, resulting in significant damage.
Early Monday morning, a fire at a ballot box in Portland was quickly contained, thanks to an internal suppression system and the swift action of a nearby security guard. While only three ballot boxes were reported damaged in this incident, the situation was much worse in Vancouver, where hundreds of ballots were burned. Election officials labeled the act as “an attempt to disenfranchise voters,” according to Xinhua news agency.
The Portland Police Bureau has identified a “suspect vehicle” linked to the Portland incident, which is also believed to be connected to the fires in Vancouver. Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan expressed concern over the targeted nature of these acts. “We don’t know the motive behind these acts,” she stated in a press release. “We do know acts like this are targeted and they’re intentional, and we’re concerned about that intentional act trying to impact the election process.”
In light of these events, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that the U.S. remains in a “heightened, dynamic threat environment.” The department continues to collaborate with law enforcement to address the threats posed by domestic violent extremists, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.
Election officials are now working to reassure voters and ensure that the electoral process remains secure and accessible despite these incidents. As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities related to the election.