Ballot Boxes in Oregon and Washington Set on Fire with Incendiary Devices

In a disturbing series of incidents, multiple ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington were set on fire using incendiary devices, prompting urgent investigations by local and federal authorities.

In Portland, Oregon, a fire was reported at a ballot drop-off box located near the corner of Southeast Morrison Street and Southeast 10th Avenue around 3:30 a.m. on Monday. Security personnel in the area managed to extinguish the fire before police arrived. An investigation by the Portland Police Bureau revealed that an incendiary device had been placed inside the ballot box to ignite the fire. The Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) of the Portland Police Bureau safely removed the device.

In Vancouver, Washington, a similar incident occurred earlier on Monday. A ballot box at the C-TRAN Park and Ride at Fisher's Landing Transit Center was set on fire, with reports indicating that an incendiary device was affixed to the outside of the box. The fire was captured on footage by first responders around 6:30 a.m. The Clark County auditor confirmed that hundreds of ballots were likely destroyed in this incident, as the last ballot pickup at that location was at 8 a.m. on Sunday. Voters who dropped off ballots after this time are advised to contact the Clark County Elections Office for a new ballot.

The FBI is leading the investigation into the Vancouver incident, while the Portland Police Bureau is handling the investigation in Oregon. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents are connected, but they are urging anyone with information to come forward. In Portland, tips can be directed to Detective Meredith Hopper or the Portland Fire and Rescue Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line.