With just over a week until Election Day, incendiary devices were detonated at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, on Monday. Portland officials managed to limit damage to three ballots thanks to an internal fire suppression system and nearby security. However, a fire at a transit center drop box in Vancouver burned hundreds of ballots, with Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey calling it a “direct attack on democracy.”
Urgent Measures Taken to Protect Ballots
The fires prompted swift action from local officials. Clark County will increase ballot collection frequency, shifting pickups to evening hours, and hired 24-hour security staff through a staffing agency to monitor all ballot drop sites until the election ends. In Portland, roving patrols will keep an eye on drop boxes, and additional sheriff’s deputies will be stationed around them.
Increased Security and Calls for Voter Vigilance
In response, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Republican challenger Joe Kent both condemned the attacks. Gluesenkamp Perez requested round-the-clock law enforcement at Clark County’s drop boxes, while Kent called the incidents a “cowardly act of terrorism,” urging voters to ensure their ballots are counted.
Officials Denounce Violence Against Election Integrity
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee issued strong statements, denouncing voter intimidation and any criminal acts aimed at undermining the election. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs echoed their stance, condemning threats and assuring residents of increased ballot drop box security.
Voters can track their ballots on www.votewa.gov, and those impacted by the Vancouver incident are encouraged to request replacement ballots.
