Incendiary attacks on ballot drop boxes in Washington, Oregon spark election security concerns

Authorities are investigating a series of incendiary attacks on ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, raising significant concerns about election security just a week before a critical election. The first incident involved an incendiary device attached to a drop box in Portland, damaging three ballots but contained by a fire suppression system. Shortly after, another fire in Vancouver destroyed hundreds of ballots, prompting local officials to express heartbreak over the attacks, labeling them a 'direct attack on democracy. ' Given the contentious political climate, officials stress the importance of secure electoral processes. In light of these events, security measures, including increased patrols and adjusted ballot collection times, are being implemented.

Both candidates in a closely contested congressional race condemned the attacks and called for strong law enforcement action. The FBI is involved in the investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward.