Authorities are investigating after early morning fires were set in ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots. In Portland, a fire was reported in a ballot drop box around 3:30 a.m., where an incendiary device was found inside. Fortunately, a fire suppressant in the drop box protected the majority of the ballots, with only three being damaged. Multnomah County Elections Director mentioned plans to assist the affected voters in obtaining replacement ballots.
Shortly after in Vancouver, smoke was seen billowing out of a ballot box at a transit center. Despite having a fire suppression system, the box failed to prevent the destruction of hundreds of ballots. Clark County Auditor expressed dismay over the incident, calling it a direct attack on democracy. Voters who used the affected drop box were advised to contact the auditor's office for new ballots.
