When Two Ballot Boxes Go Up in Flames, Officials Get Hot on Their Trail!

In the early hours of Monday, a ballot box in Vancouver, Washington, was set ablaze, leading to the destruction of hundreds of election ballots. This alarming incident was confirmed by Greg Kimsey, the Clark County Elections Auditor, who also revealed that this was the second similar event in the region. By late Monday, local police indicated the two attacks might be connected.

The ballot box, situated at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, was targeted when an incendiary device was attached to its exterior, igniting the flames. Local news station Fox first reported the details, though Kimsey refrained from commenting on the exact cause of the fire. According to him, the box hadn’t been emptied since Saturday morning, meaning ballots dropped off after 11 a.m. that day were likely lost. Kimsey assured voters they could contact Clark County Elections for a replacement ballot if theirs had been affected. In response to the incident, he also mentioned plans to adjust the ballot collection schedule to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Meanwhile, another ballot box just miles away in southeast Portland, Oregon, was damaged early Monday morning, around 3:30 a.m. Like the Vancouver incident, this attack involved an incendiary device. However, no immediate information was available regarding how many, if any, ballots were impacted.

Police revealed that surveillance footage captured the same vehicle, a Volvo, at both crime scenes, and similar incendiary devices were used in both attacks. The Portland Police Bureau and Vancouver authorities are collaborating with the FBI to investigate these cases. Portland Police Bureau Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan voiced her concern, stating, “We do know acts like this are targeted… and we’re concerned about that intentional act trying to impact the election process. We’re dedicated to stopping this kind of behavior.”

This isn’t the first time ballot boxes have been attacked during the current election season. Just days earlier, a man in Phoenix, Arizona, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a United States Postal Service mailbox, which contained several early voting ballots. Authorities believe the motive in that case was not politically driven, though the crime raises questions about the security of the voting process.

The timing of the Vancouver ballot fire comes at a critical moment, as the area is seeing a closely watched congressional race. Republican Joe Kent is once again challenging Democratic incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez for the seat in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. This rematch follows their tight 2022 contest, and the race has garnered significant national attention. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., visited the district just days before the fire, campaigning for Kent and emphasizing the importance of the district. “My presence here shows you how important this district is to all of America,” Johnson said on Thursday.

As investigations continue, the incidents have heightened concerns over election security and potential attempts to disrupt the voting process. With tensions running high in various key races, the swift response from law enforcement and election officials aims to reassure the public that measures are being taken to safeguard the integrity of the election. However, these recent events underscore the growing challenges election officials face in ensuring that every vote is counted.