The U.S. Presidential election is scheduled for November 5, 2024.
Washington – Authorities are investigating suspected arson attacks on ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, as early voting continues ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election.
Both incidents, which occurred Monday, destroyed hundreds of ballots and have been described as deliberate acts to disrupt the democratic process.
According to police, incendiary devices were used in both attacks, and a similar vehicle was spotted at each location, suggesting a coordinated effort. These latest incidents follow a similar attack on a ballot box in Vancouver on October 8, where an incendiary device was also deployed.
The attacks come as tensions run high nationwide, with nearly 42 million ballots already cast as part of early voting. Washington and Oregon, both vote-by-mail states, rely significantly on ballot drop boxes to accommodate voters.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the incidents, describing them as “acts of terror” intended to undermine the electoral process. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state,” Hobbs stated.
In response, voters are urged to confirm the status of their ballots online. If a ballot is marked as “not received,” voters can either print a replacement ballot or visit a local elections office to ensure their vote is counted.
Both states mail ballots to registered voters a few weeks before election day, with options to return ballots via mail or designated drop boxes.
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