Ballot Box Fires Trigger Investigations in Washington and Oregon
VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — About 475 damaged ballots were retrieved from a burnt drop box in Vancouver, Washington, after a series of incendiary attacks that have raised alarms about election integrity. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announced that election workers will soon begin examining these ballots to recover voter information and facilitate the issuance of replacement ballots.
The fire, set using incendiary devices, not only damaged ballot boxes in Vancouver but also affected three ballots in Portland, Oregon, sparking outrage among officials who view these incidents as direct attacks on democracy ahead of a crucial election. Authorities have linked the Monday fires to a similar incident on October 8, where an incendiary device was used at another drop box in Vancouver, although no ballots were harmed then.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows a Volvo near the Portland drop box around the time the fire broke out, with investigations involving multiple agencies, including the FBI. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman emphasized the commitment to holding responsible parties fully accountable. No arrests had been confirmed as of Tuesday evening.
The flames in Portland were subdued quickly due to a fire suppression system, while the system at the Vancouver drop box failed to prevent significant damage. In light of the incidents, Kimsey has urged voters who used the transit center drop box after 11 a.m. on Saturday to reach out for replacement ballots.
To enhance security, Kimsey announced plans to adjust ballot collection times and increase the frequency of checks at drop boxes. Similarly, officials in other Washington counties, including King County, are stepping up monitoring efforts as Election Day approaches.
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