Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Hundreds of ballots were damaged in two U.S. states after ballot drop boxes were reportedly set on fire. A ballot box in Portland, Oregon, and another in Vancouver, Washington, caught fire on Monday, October 28, in what authorities suspect was an act of arson, as incendiary devices were found near the boxes.
According to CNN, only three ballots were damaged in the Portland ballot drop box incident, thanks to the boxes internal fire suppression system and nearby security personnel. Police believe this incident may be connected to the ballot box fire in Vancouver that occurred shortly afterward.
The Vancouver Police Department reported that a ballot drop box at a bus stop was set ablaze soon after the Portland incident. Similar to Portland, an incendiary device was discovered next to the smoking, charred ballot box when officers arrived on the scene.
Vancouver election officials are currently assessing the number of ballots affected by the fire. They estimate that hundreds may have been damaged. “Some were only partially damaged and may still be duplicated and processed, while others were severely damaged or completely destroyed,” said Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey.
Portland police have identified a suspect’s vehicle spotted leaving the fire scene. The car, a dark-colored Volvo S-60 from 2001-2004, lacked a visible front license plate, and the rear plate was obscured.
“We don’t know the motives behind these actions, but they appear deliberate and connected,” said Portland Police Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan, adding that the department is taking the matter seriously and working to prevent similar incidents.
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The use of ballot drop boxes has been a contentious issue among some Republicans, often linked to conspiracy theories regarding alleged election fraud. Following claims by former President Donald Trump that the 2020 election was rigged, six Republican-led states—Arkansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and South Dakota—have since banned ballot drop boxes.
Law enforcement officials are treating these incidents with heightened urgency, given their potential impact on election security. Investigations are underway in both Portland and Vancouver, with authorities urging residents to report any suspicious activity around ballot boxes.
(Raidi/Agung)
