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Authorities say that a ballot box in Vancouver was set on fire in an arson incident on Monday morning, potentially damaging hundreds of ballots.
Investigators believe the incident may be linked to two other arson cases in Portland and Southwest Washington, KATU reported.
The outlet said a dropbox at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver was set ablaze, damaging or destroying potentially hundreds of ballots. “Multiple police units were in the area, and the ballot box was cordoned off by police tape as it continued to smoke,” the outlet reported.
“The Clark County elections auditor told us that the last ballot pickup at that location was 11 a.m. Saturday,” the outlet reported.
“Hundreds of ballots were inside at the time of the burning, and KATU was told there were likely only a few that could be saved,” it added.
WATCH:
JUST IN: The FBI is investigating an arson incident in Vancouver, Washington, that destroyed a ballot box and damaged hundreds of ballots
Voters who dropped off ballots after 11 a.m. Saturday need to contact the Election Auditor’s Office for a new ballot
The last ballot pickup… pic.twitter.com/NGw0CPcV9k
— Unlimited L’s (@unlimited_ls) October 28, 2024
Reports of Election Interference in the form of ballot boxes being set ablaze in Washington and Oregon States, USA. Don’t worry everyone, the FBI’s on the case.https://t.co/va1PmKrQX2 pic.twitter.com/50yWqA8X6b
— SGAnon (@TheQNewsPatriot) October 28, 2024
The report also noted that voters could track the status of their ballots at this website.
Vancouver Police released the following statement at 9 a.m.:
This morning at about 4:00 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to an arson at a ballot box located at 3510 SE 164th Ave. It was reported that the ballot box was smoking and on fire. Officers arrived and located a suspicious device next to the box. The ballot box was smoking and was on fire. Members of the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU) arrived and safely collected the device, and the fire was extinguished. Detectives from the Vancouver Police Arson team and the Vancouver Fire Marshals also responded.
The FBI is continuing the investigation of this incident.
The bureau also issued a statement, according to the outlet:
The FBI is coordinating with federal, state and local partners to actively investigate the two incidents in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, in the early morning hours of Monday, October 28th to determine who is responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324)
Investigators reported that an incendiary device was detonated inside the ballot box, causing a fire. The blaze was extinguished, and officials later confirmed that only three ballots were damaged.
In a press release issued at noon, police stated they believed the arson incidents in Portland and Vancouver on Monday morning were connected.
KATU photographer Evan Bell posted a surveillance video clip on his X account showing a “vehicle of interest” in the Vancouver dropbox fire.
“BREAKING: Portland Police say they believe the ballot box fires in Portland and Vancouver this morning, and a third incident in Vancouver earlier this month, are connected. Portland Police say this dark colored Volvo is a vehicle of interest. This is a developing story,” he wrote.
BREAKING: Portland Police say they believe the ballot box fires in Portland and Vancouver this morning, and a third incident in Vancouver earlier this month, are connected. Portland Police say this dark colored Volvo is a vehicle of interest. This is a developing story. pic.twitter.com/FsbmyxqrnL
— Evan Bell (@evanbellKATU) October 28, 2024
A press officer additionally reported that the Vancouver ballot box had a fire suppression system that failed. He also emphasized that the device was not a bomb, the report stated.
KATU added:
When caught, police say the arsonist will be facing charges of:
- Possession of a destructive device
- Manufacture of a destructive device
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Criminal mischief in the 1st degree
- Reckless burning
- Obstructing governmental or judicial administration
- Illegal acts related to voting machines or vote tally systems.
It’s not clear how much prison time the perpetrator will face if convicted.
A mailbox in central Phoenix containing 20 ballots was set on fire early Thursday morning, according to authorities.
The ballots, which had been placed inside the box at the intersection of 7th Avenue and Indian School Road, were damaged due to the fire, according to ABC 15 Arizona. It remains unclear whether the motive was related to the election, the New York Post reported.
