A series of coordinated attacks on ballot drop boxes has sparked concerns about election security in Washington and Oregon, with authorities now searching for a specific vehicle of interest.
According to Daily Mail, law enforcement officials have identified a dark-colored Volvo S-60 without a front license plate as the potential suspect vehicle in multiple ballot box fires that destroyed hundreds of votes.
Security cameras captured footage of the vehicle at the Multnomah County Elections Office in Portland during one of the incidents.
The fires occurred early Monday morning, with one blaze reported at the Multnomah County location and another in Vancouver, Washington. Security personnel working nearby managed to extinguish the Portland fire, though not before significant damage was done to the ballots inside.
Investigators have confirmed that both Monday morning incidents are connected to a previous ballot box fire that occurred in Vancouver on October 8. The pattern suggests an orchestrated attempt to interfere with the electoral process.
Portland police discovered an incendiary device inside the ballot box, while Vancouver authorities found a similar device placed outside their drop box. Both locations required intervention from police explosive disposal units.
Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott shared that the county has implemented new security measures. They now employ round-the-clock private security patrols to monitor ballot drop boxes.
The Vancouver fire impacted hundreds of ballots, with officials stating that only a small number might be salvageable. The last ballot collection at this location occurred around 11 am on Saturday, putting all ballots deposited afterward at risk.
Election officials are working to address the situation by offering provisional ballots to affected voters. Those who believe their ballots may have been destroyed are encouraged to contact their local election offices.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local law enforcement agencies in their search for the perpetrators. Both states are coordinating their efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The attacks represent a serious attempt at election interference, prompting authorities to enhance security measures at ballot drop locations throughout both states. Law enforcement officials are treating these incidents as connected crimes.
In response to the attacks, Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott announced that 24-hour private security patrols are now monitoring the drop boxes. This measure aims to enhance the security and integrity of the voting process.
Local election officials are implementing additional safeguards to protect the integrity of the remaining ballot boxes. They are also working to ensure that affected voters have the opportunity to recast their ballots through provisional voting methods.
