Arson Attacks on Ballot Boxes Raise Security Concerns

In the wake of recent arson attacks on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, security measures have been heightened to protect election infrastructure. On October 28, incendiary devices marked with 'Free Gaza' and 'Free Palestine' were used to set the boxes ablaze, destroying hundreds of ballots in Vancouver and damaging a few in Portland, where a fire suppression system mitigated the damage. Clark County has responded by staffing drop boxes with observers 24/7 and urging voters to request replacement ballots if necessary. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are investigating these incidents, linking them to extremist threats against the democratic process amid heightened tensions ahead of the 2024 elections. In a separate incident, a USPS mailbox was set on fire in Phoenix, Arizona, as authorities arrested and charged a suspect not believed to be politically motivated.