Arson Attacks on Ballot Boxes: A Threat to Democracy in the Pacific Northwest
In a troubling series of events, ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington were set ablaze early Monday morning, prompting concerns from law enforcement officials who believe the incidents are interconnected. This follows a similar attack in Vancouver, Washington, earlier this month.
The first incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. local time in Portland, where police responded to reports of a burning ballot box. Authorities discovered that an incendiary device had been attached to the box, igniting the fire. Fortunately, swift action by the Multnomah County Elections Division allowed them to extinguish the flames before extensive damage could occur.
“Thanks to fire suppression measures, most ballots remained intact, with only three affected,” stated Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott. Officials are now reaching out to the voters impacted to provide replacement ballots.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade emphasized the significance of protecting the electoral process, stating, “An attack on a ballot box is an attack on our democracy. There is no justification for any actions that disenfranchise voters.”
Shortly after the Portland incident, around 4 a.m., officers in Vancouver responded to a report of another burning ballot box. They found a suspicious device nearby, which was safely handled by the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit.
While the exact number of damaged ballots is still being determined, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey mentioned that “hundreds” may have been affected. He noted that while fire suppression devices are in place, their effectiveness needs improvement.
In response to these acts, Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the violence, affirming, “We will not tolerate threats against the electoral process.” Despite these incidents, he expressed confidence in the ability of election officials to ensure secure and fair elections.
