Hundreds of ballots were destroyed by fires this week at two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest, and investigators are searching for a culprit they say is responsible for both.
Here’s what we know:
- Were ballots burned? Many of the ballots in a drop box in Portland were unaffected, but hundreds of ballots were destroyed in a second ballot box fire in nearby Vancouver, Washington.
- What happens to the ballots? One county auditor said anyone who dropped off a ballot at the damaged Fisher’s Landing Transit Center box between 11 a.m. on Saturday and 4 a.m. on Monday should request a replacement ballot online at VoteWA.gov.
- What about the suspect? Devices at both scenes Monday and a ballot box earlier in the month were marked with the words “Free Gaza,” the New York Times reported Tuesday, citing two law enforcement officials. The outlet said investigators are trying to determine if the suspect is a pro-Palestinian activist or someone trying sow discord.
- How’s the search going? Police identified a “suspect vehicle” seen leaving the scene of the fire in Portland — a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60. The FBI and the US Attorney for the Western District of Washington are working together to investigate, they said in a joint statement Tuesday.
- Are ballot boxes safe? State leaders are encouraging citizens to vote despite the incidents, pledging increased security around the drop boxes — including drive-by patrols and staff observers. Many counties have fire suppressants inside their boxes.
As Election Day nears, state leaders are encouraging citizens to vote despite the incidents, pledging increased security around the drop boxes.
“There are multiple ways for voters to cast their ballot and make sure their voice is heard,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said.
The ballot box in Portland has already been replaced, according to Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, and law enforcement in Multnomah County and Vancouver, Washington, plan to increase patrols of ballot boxes in the area.
“Voter intimidation or any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election is un-American & will not be tolerated,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said on X.
Inslee said in a statement Monday evening “there will be 24-hour enhanced security around ballot drop-off locations.” While law enforcement is increasing drive-by patrols, Kimsey said elections staff are acting as observers at all 22 drop box locations to report suspicious activity to 911.
A coalition of elected officials, businesses and community groups in Portland shared an open letter Tuesday calling on residents “to uphold our tradition of respectful civic participation during this election season.”
“As we navigate this election period, let us safeguard and advance our hard-won but still fragile progress, ensuring our actions strengthen rather than undermine our community’s growth,” the letter read.
Vancouver is in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, represented by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, where one of the most competitive House races in the country is taking place.
Following the ballot box fires, Gluesenkamp Perez requested overnight law enforcement patrols at drop boxes through Election Day.
