Federal Authorities Investigate Series of Fires at Ballot Drop Boxes in Oregon and Washington

Portland, Oregon – Federal authorities are investigating fires that damaged ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, this month, with hundreds of ballots destroyed in Vancouver. The incidents appear linked, according to evidence collected by the Portland Police Bureau.

The Portland fire occurred early Monday morning, with police responding at around 3:30 a.m. after an incendiary device was found attached to the ballot box. While the fire damaged three ballots, 409 others were saved due to a fire suppressant installed in the box. Hours later, a second ballot box fire was reported in Vancouver, where a suspicious device caused extensive ballot damage. Authorities believe the fires are part of a series, with a similar incident occurring in Vancouver on October 8.

Portland police identified a “suspect vehicle,” a dark 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 missing its front plate, believed to be linked to the fires. The FBI is also investigating, with Washington Governor Jay Inslee announcing increased security at ballot drop-off locations to reassure voters.

Election officials in Portland and Vancouver are contacting affected voters to arrange replacement ballots, while Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the attacks as a threat to the democratic process.

In response to these incidents and other ballot-related security concerns, officials are enhancing patrols and monitoring ballot drop boxes closely as Election Day approaches.