Ballot Box Fires Destroy Hundreds of Ballots in Oregon and Washington

October 29, 2024 TruthUSA

Fires have caused damage to ballots in Portland and Vancouver, prompting officials to urge voters to check the status of their ballots. Authorities are emphasizing election security as investigations continue.

Two fires at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, led to police responses early on Oct. 28, with one fire resulting in the destruction of potentially hundreds of ballots. Officials confirmed at a press conference that they suspect the incidents are linked and have identified a suspect vehicle.

At around 3:30 a.m. in Portland, officers were called to a fire at a ballot drop box outside the Multnomah County elections office.

Mike Brenner, public information officer for the Portland Police Bureau (PPB), said: “Upon arrival, security personnel in the area had already put out the fire. Our officers discovered an incendiary device attached to the ballot box, which caused the fire.”

The PPB’s Explosive Disposal Unit safely removed the device, which is now in custody.

PPB Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan acknowledged the heightened tensions surrounding the upcoming election, saying: “Acts like this are deliberate and targeted, and we are concerned about any attempts to disrupt the election process. We are committed to preventing such behavior and are actively working on it.”

In Clark County, Vancouver, another “incendiary device” was found in a drop box a few hours later, resulting in the burning of “hundreds” of ballots, as evidenced in video footage from local ABC outlet KATU. First responders were seen removing still-burning ballots from the box, despite the rain.

Interim Vancouver Police Chief Troy Price noted that this was the second incident of this kind in Vancouver this month, with a previous occurrence on Oct. 8.

He recalled that during the earlier incident, they received a report of smoke coming out of a ballot drop box and found a device next to the box, which was removed by the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit. The incident on Oct. 28 was similar, with another incendiary device found there.

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey confirmed that each ballot drop box is equipped with a fire suppression device, although it did not appear to work effectively in this case.

“We are still calculating the exact number, but it seems that hundreds of ballots were destroyed,” he stated.

Tim Scott, director of elections for Multnomah County, mentioned that the fire suppression devices in their ballot box operated as intended.

“Thankfully, the fire suppression devices inside the box quickly extinguished any fire,” he said. “Only three ballots out of hundreds in the box showed any damage, and we could still read the voters’ names on those ballots. We will be reaching out directly to those affected.”

A ballot drop box in Portland, Ore., caught on fire after an incendiary device was placed on it on Oct. 28, 2024, local police said. (Portland Police Bureau) — A ballot drop box in Portland, Ore., caught on fire after an incendiary device was placed on it on Oct. 28, 2024, local police reported.Portland Police Bureau

Scott advised individuals who used the affected drop box between 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 26 and 3:00 a.m. on Oct. 28 to contact the elections division if they have any concerns.

Brenner mentioned that authorities had identified a suspect vehicle linked to the incident through surveillance footage and would release the photo later in the day.

He also expressed belief that the Portland occurrence is related to the ones in Vancouver. The FBI is conducting a separate but parallel investigation.

Possible charges for the suspect include possession and manufacturing of a destructive device, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief in the first degree, reckless burning, obstructing governmental or judicial administration, and illegal acts related to voting machines or vote tally systems, according to Brenner.

Election officials in both states are implementing additional security measures, and voters are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities around ballot boxes.

“We have been monitoring our drop sites round the clock since the ballots were distributed and the drop sites opened,” Scott noted.

Clark County intends to acquire and install more effective fire suppression devices and is adjusting its ballot retrieval schedule, advising voters to submit their ballots before 5:30 p.m.

Charlie Boisner, director of external affairs for the Washington secretary of state, informed The Epoch Times via email that the office received reports of the suspected incendiary device early on the morning of Oct. 28.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs stated: “We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process. I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state. Despite this incident, I have complete confidence in our county elections officials’ ability to keep Washington’s elections safe and secure for all voters.”

Voters who used the drop box are advised to check their ballot status online at www.VoteWA.gov.

“If a returned ballot is not marked as ‘received,’ voters can print or request a replacement ballot online from their county elections office,” Boisner added.

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