Just days before the US presidential election, ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were set on fire in what authorities are calling targeted attacks.
The incidents have drawn concerns over election security as millions of Americans cast early votes in one of the nation’s most closely watched elections.
According to local police, both incidents involved an incendiary device, with an identical Volvo spotted at each location, linking the two events.
The Portland Police Department reported that the device used was “similar in nature” to one found at another Vancouver ballot drop box on October 8. Hundreds of ballots were destroyed in the fires, with authorities labelling the attacks as intentional and targeted.
The attacks come amid record-breaking early voting numbers, with nearly 42 million Americans having already cast their ballots. Washington and Oregon, both vote-by-mail states, have assured voters that the incidents will not disrupt the election process.
Washington Secretary of State, Steve Hobbs condemned the attacks, stating, “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state.”
He urged voters to continue participating in the democratic process, assuring that measures are in place to maintain the integrity of their votes.
Voters in both states are encouraged to track their ballot status online to ensure it has been marked as “received.” If a ballot appears unreturned, voters can print a replacement or obtain one at their local elections department.
As vote-by-mail states, Oregon and Washington send ballots directly to registered voters weeks in advance, which can then be returned by mail or in designated drop boxes.
