In an unsettling prelude to the upcoming U.S. presidential election, hundreds of ballots have been destroyed in separate incidents involving ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Authorities suspect these incidents, both involving incendiary devices, are connected, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Clark County’s elected auditor, Greg Kimsey, condemned the attacks, calling it “a direct attack on democracy.” According to Kimsey, “It’s heartbreaking. We have fire suppression systems in place, but unfortunately, the one in Vancouver failed, and hundreds of ballots were lost.”
In Portland, officials reported that although only three ballots were damaged, materials recovered from both sites suggest a coordinated effort. Law enforcement linked these attacks to a similar incident on October 8 in Vancouver, where a device was found but did not damage any ballots.
At a press conference in Portland, the Secretary of State for Washington, Steve Hobbs, reassured voters that their rights would be protected. “We will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process,” Hobbs stated, affirming his confidence in election officials’ ability to ensure security.
Tensions High in Washington’s Third Congressional District
The incidents have added anxiety in Washington’s third congressional district, where a highly contested race between Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican Joe Kent is underway. Perez, who narrowly defeated Kent in 2022, condemned the attacks, urging law enforcement to “apprehend the perpetrator quickly” and requested increased security at ballot drop locations.
“There is absolutely zero place in our democracy for political violence or interference against our fellow citizens, election workers, or voting infrastructure,” Perez declared. In response, Kent encouraged his supporters to stay resolute, adding, “These attacks should not deter anyone from voting.”
Surveillance footage showed a vehicle approaching the Portland ballot drop box shortly before the fire was discovered. As authorities work to investigate, security measures are expected to increase in the days leading up to the election.
