Ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, were targeted by incendiary devices marked with phrases like “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine” in recent arson attacks, according to a law enforcement source. The devices ignited fires that scorched hundreds of ballots in Vancouver when the drop box’s fire suppression system failed. In contrast, a fire in Portland was quickly contained by a suppression system and a nearby security guard, leaving only three ballots damaged.
Officials are working to identify the person behind the attacks and determine if the slogans were used to mislead or reflect genuine motives. Security footage reportedly shows a Volvo approaching the Portland ballot box shortly before the fire. Vancouver authorities are advising residents who used the affected drop box between Saturday and Monday to check their ballot status and seek replacements if necessary.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey announced that 475 damaged ballots had been retrieved and that election staff were sorting through them to identify affected voters. Washington voters can track their ballot status through VoteWA.gov.
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