Investigation Underway After Ballot Drop Box Arson

In a concerning incident ahead of Election Day, approximately 475 damaged ballots were recovered from a ballot box in Vancouver, Washington, which was set ablaze by incendiary devices. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey noted that election workers will sift through these ballots to retrieve voter information for replacements, although an unknown number of ballots were completely destroyed. The FBI and local law enforcement are investigating the fires, which also affected three ballots in Portland, Oregon, and are linked to a previous incident involving another ballot box. Surveillance footage captured a dark-colored Volvo in the vicinity of the Portland fire, leading to ongoing inquiries. Officials have condemned the acts as a 'direct attack on democracy' and are committed to holding those responsible accountable. As authorities take measures to ensure voter safety, they encourage those who dropped off ballots after a certain time to contact election officials for replacements.