In what officials are calling a “direct attack on democracy,” incendiary devices were used in two separate ballot box fires in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, just days before a contentious Election Day.

Authorities reported on Monday that the fires, which led to hundreds of damaged ballots, appear to be linked by a mysterious vehicle captured on surveillance footage near both scenes.

Incendiary devices and a Volvo: Police connect the dots

The Portland incident, occurring early Monday morning, was quickly mitigated due to a built-in suppression system and an on-site security guard, limiting damage to only three ballots, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Security footage revealed a Volvo pulling up to the ballot drop box moments before the fire was detected. Mike Benner, spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau, confirmed in a press conference that “incendiary devices were found attached to the boxes,” indicating a coordinated attempt to disrupt the voting process.

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Hours later, another fire erupted at a ballot drop box located at a transit center across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. This second incident impacted Clark County’s 3rd Congressional District, where a tight U.S. House race is underway between incumbent Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and GOP challenger Joe Kent.

Damaged ballots and voter guidance

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey confirmed that despite the fire suppression system, hundreds of ballots in Vancouver were destroyed. Kimsey advised voters who used the drop box after 11 a.m. on Saturday to contact local election offices to receive replacement ballots. In response to the incident, Kimsey announced that Clark County would increase ballot collection frequency and adjust pickup times to evening hours to prevent overnight risks. “It’s heartbreaking,” Kimsey remarked, calling it a “direct attack on democracy.”

Rising concerns over ballot drop boxes and escalating scrutiny

Ballot drop boxes have faced increased scrutiny in recent years, becoming targets of conspiracy theories and partisan criticism. These theories, often rooted in former President Donald Trump’s baseless claims of election fraud in 2020, have cast an unwarranted shadow over the security of drop boxes.

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In light of the incidents, FBI officials have launched an investigation into the Portland and Vancouver fires. Both ballot boxes were equipped with internal fire suppression systems designed to activate once temperatures reach a critical level, deploying a powder to extinguish any flames. While Portland’s system operated as intended, security guards and the built-in system managed to avert extensive damage. Tim Scott, Multnomah County Elections Director, stated that the county has hired private security officers for “roving patrols” to monitor drop boxes around the clock.

Despite these efforts, the Vancouver incident resulted in extensive damage. According to Scott, one of the guards at the county elections office heard what he described as an explosion — likely the activation of the suppression system — and immediately contacted police.

Officials ramp up security and urge voter vigilance

In the aftermath, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez issued a statement calling for increased law enforcement presence at all ballot drop boxes in Clark County until Election Day. “Southwest Washington cannot risk a single vote being lost to arson and political violence,” she emphasized.

The Washington Secretary of State’s office advised voters to check their ballot status online at www.votewa.gov. If a ballot is not marked as “received,” voters can print a replacement or visit local election offices to secure another. Meanwhile, Portland officials have reached out to the three individuals whose ballots were affected, assuring them of replacement ballots.

Heightened patrols and state response

In response to these incidents, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced it would increase both uniformed and plainclothes patrols around ballot drop boxes throughout the area. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs reinforced the state’s commitment to ensuring voter safety, stating, “We will not tolerate any threats or acts of violence aimed at disrupting the voting process.” With Election Day fast approaching, local and federal authorities are moving swiftly to secure ballot drop boxes, underscoring their dedication to safeguarding every vote.