WASHINGTON, USA: Authorities in Oregon and Washington are investigating a series of ballot box arson attacks attributed to a suspect believed to possess advanced metalworking skills.
This individual allegedly attached incendiary devices to ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, causing significant damage, particularly in Vancouver where hundreds of ballots were affected.
Surveillance footage captured a black 2001–2004 Volvo S-60 at the scene, driven by a white male in his 30s or 40s, who was balding or had closely-cropped hair. The devices were reportedly marked with “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine,” though officials are uncertain if these messages reflect the suspect’s actual beliefs or are meant to mislead.
The fires were contained in Portland due to an operational fire suppression system, limiting the damage to only three ballots. In Vancouver, however, the suppression system malfunctioned, leading to the destruction of 488 ballots. Clark County election officials are contacting affected voters, urging them to request replacement ballots, as 143 ballots remain unaccounted for, with six rendered unidentifiable.
Law enforcement has connected these incidents to a similar attack on October 8 at a separate Vancouver drop box. Despite the potentially divisive messages on the devices, investigators are working to clarify the motivation behind these acts, focusing on their potential impact on voting integrity. Local authorities are actively pursuing tips, while the Washington Secretary of State’s office advises voters to track ballot statuses online.
This series of attacks highlights ongoing concerns about election security and ballot safety in the lead-up to a high-stakes voting season, prompting authorities to increase monitoring efforts around ballot drop-off locations.
