In a shocking turn of events, ballot drop boxes in Oregon and Washington have been set on fire, causing concern among election officials and voters alike. These incidents come amidst a tense political climate and heightened scrutiny surrounding the upcoming presidential election.
In Oregon, at least two ballot drop boxes were set ablaze in the cities of Milwaukie and Oregon City. The fires destroyed numerous ballots and caused extensive damage to the drop boxes themselves. Similarly, in Washington state, a ballot drop box in the city of Seattle was also set on fire, resulting in the destruction of ballots and the box itself.
These acts of vandalism have sparked outrage and condemnation from officials across both states. Oregon Secretary of State, Bev Clarno, called the incidents “a form of voter suppression” and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near drop boxes. Washington Secretary of State, Kim Wyman, also expressed concern over the attacks, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of the election process.
The FBI has launched investigations into these incidents, working alongside local law enforcement agencies to determine the culprits behind the attacks. Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and seeking information from witnesses in hopes of identifying and apprehending those responsible.
These acts of arson have raised concerns about the safety and security of ballot drop boxes, which have become a popular method for voters to safely and conveniently submit their ballots during the ongoing pandemic. Election officials have reassured voters that measures are being taken to increase security around drop boxes, such as increased monitoring and physical barriers to prevent future attacks.
As the November election draws near, it is crucial for voters to remain vigilant and safeguard their ballots. Officials are reminding residents to only use official drop boxes provided by their county elections office and to report any suspicious activity to local authorities. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting our democracy and ensuring that every vote is counted.