Ballot Drop Box Fires Spark Concerns in Portland and Washington

Ballot Drop Box Fires Spark Concerns in Portland and Washington \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ With Election Day nearing, incendiary devices set off in ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, have raised alarm, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots in what officials are calling a “direct attack on democracy.” Security measures helped minimize damage in Portland, but the Vancouver drop box incident destroyed a large number of ballots. Election officials are urging affected voters to request replacement ballots and are increasing security to prevent further disruptions.

Ballot Drop Box Incidents: Key Details

• Location and Damage: Devices were detonated in drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver; the Vancouver fire destroyed hundreds of ballots.
• Security Response: Increased ballot collections and added patrols are planned to prevent further attacks.
• Ballot Replacement: Affected voters are encouraged to contact their elections office for replacement ballots.
• Historical Context: Drop boxes have been widely used in Oregon and Washington, where vote-by-mail is longstanding.
• Political Reaction: Officials, including Gov. Tina Kotek and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, denounced the attacks as threats to democracy.

Deep Look

Just a week before Election Day, incendiary devices set off in ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, have escalated concerns over voter safety and ballot integrity. Both incidents, which occurred early Monday morning, have prompted election officials to increase security and provide options for impacted voters to replace their ballots. Described by one official as a “direct attack on democracy,” these attacks highlight a disturbing trend of attempts to disrupt the voting process amid heightened political tensions.

Details of the Attacks and Immediate Impact

The first incident occurred at a ballot drop box in Portland, where a fire was quickly extinguished due to an automatic fire suppression system and the swift action of a nearby security guard. Fortunately, only three ballots were damaged in Portland, a stark contrast to the extensive damage in Vancouver just hours later. The Vancouver fire, which destroyed hundreds of ballots, happened at a transit center drop box serving Clark County, Washington’s largest city and a key area in one of the country’s most competitive House races between incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and challenger Joe Kent.

Greg Kimsey, the Clark County auditor, urged residents who dropped their ballots in the Vancouver drop box after Saturday morning to contact his office for replacements, describing the attack as “heartbreaking.” To reduce the risk of further incidents, Clark County plans to adjust ballot collection times to the evening and increase the frequency of pickups, ensuring that ballots are not left overnight in drop boxes.

Security Concerns and Political Reactions

Portland police and the FBI are investigating the incidents, which they believe are linked to a similar attempt on October 8, when an incendiary device was placed at another Vancouver ballot drop box but did not result in any ballot damage. Surveillance footage captured a Volvo near the Portland drop box just before the device was set off, and law enforcement is working to identify those involved. The devices in both attacks were attached to the outside of the boxes and appear to have been strategically placed to maximize damage.

In response to the attacks, Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott announced that Portland would be implementing “roving patrols” around the county’s ballot boxes, deploying security personnel around the clock. Clark County election officials are similarly coordinating increased patrols around ballot boxes, as Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez has requested overnight law enforcement presence at Clark County drop boxes through Election Day to prevent further incidents.

The attacks have garnered national attention, with condemnation from Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs. Both officials denounced the acts as anti-democratic attempts to intimidate voters, with Hobbs stating that Washington would not tolerate “acts of terror” aimed at disrupting elections. “Voter intimidation or any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election is un-American and will not be tolerated,” Kotek said in a statement.

The Role and Controversy of Ballot Drop Boxes

Ballot drop boxes have become a focal point in recent election cycles. In both Washington and Oregon, where all-mail voting systems have been in place for years, drop boxes are a secure and accessible way for voters to submit ballots. However, ballot boxes have come under increased scrutiny from certain groups, especially since the 2020 election, with some baselessly claiming that drop boxes could facilitate election fraud. In response to these concerns, six states, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina, have banned drop boxes since 2020. Some other states, such as Ohio and Iowa, now limit each county to a single drop box location.

In contrast, Oregon and Washington have continued to uphold the use of drop boxes as a reliable and popular means for voters to cast their ballots securely. Election officials in both states have long affirmed that the use of drop boxes has not led to any widespread issues, as confirmed by a nationwide survey of election officials.

Protecting Voter Access Amid Ongoing Threats

The fire suppression systems inside drop boxes in Portland and Vancouver were intended to activate at specific temperatures, coating ballots with a fire-suppressing powder to minimize damage. This system worked in Portland, aided by on-site security personnel, but inexplicably failed in Vancouver, leading to the destruction of hundreds of ballots. Voters in Washington are being encouraged to check the status of their ballots at votewa.gov. If their ballots are not marked as “received,” voters can print a replacement or request one from their local election office.

Clark County is offering alternative options for voters whose ballots may have been destroyed in the incident. John Burnside, a Vancouver resident, discovered that the ballots he and his wife dropped off the day before the fire had not been marked as received. He requested replacement ballots and plans to either mail them or deliver them directly to the elections office, noting his preference for in-person voting. “It may be extra work, but it does add a level of security,” Burnside said.

In Portland, officials identified the three voters whose ballots were damaged and are contacting them to provide replacements. The Multnomah County sheriff’s office has pledged to increase both uniformed and plainclothes patrols around drop boxes to help prevent further incidents.

Candidates and Officials Condemn Attacks as Anti-Democratic

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez responded to the attacks by calling for additional security measures, stating that “Southwest Washington cannot risk a single vote being lost to arson and political violence.” Her opponent, Joe Kent, also condemned the attack, calling it a “cowardly act of terrorism” and reassuring voters that he continues to trust the ballot drop box system. “No one should be intimidated,” Kent said, urging voters to ensure their ballots are counted and voicing confidence that law enforcement will find the individuals responsible.

This recent wave of ballot box arson comes amid increasing reports of ballot tampering and voter intimidation across the country, with a fire incident in Phoenix last week damaging about five ballots. Such attacks have renewed conversations about the security of drop boxes, especially in contentious districts where voter turnout is expected to be high.

With Election Day approaching, officials in Oregon and Washington are taking steps to enhance security around drop boxes and ensure that voters can safely participate in the election without fear of losing their ballots to political violence. The affected communities have rallied around the importance of preserving democratic values and protecting every vote, demonstrating resilience in the face of these challenges.

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