### Arson Attacks on Ballot Boxes in Pacific Northwest Raise Security Concerns

Early Monday morning, ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington were set ablaze using incendiary devices, according to police reports. The incidents, which authorities believe are connected, include two arson attacks occurring near the Oregon-Washington border and a third incident earlier this month in Vancouver, Washington.

Portland police responded to the first incident around 3:30 a.m., where a fire was reported at a ballot box. Officers discovered an incendiary device attached to the box, which had ignited the fire. The Multnomah County Elections Division quickly extinguished the flames, with fire suppressant measures safeguarding nearly all ballots except for three. Elections officials are reaching out to the affected voters to issue replacement ballots.

Tim Scott, Multnomah County Elections Director, assured the public of the robust security measures in place to protect ballots. Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade condemned the attack, emphasizing its threat to democracy and ensuring the limited impact demonstrated the security of their systems.

Approximately 30 minutes after the Portland incident, Vancouver, Washington officers also responded to a burning ballot box. The presence of another suspicious device was reported. The fire was extinguished, and the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit safely retrieved the device. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey noted that "hundreds" of ballots were likely damaged, and efforts are underway to provide replacement ballots to those voters. Kimsey acknowledged the need for improved fire suppression devices in county ballot drop boxes.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs strongly condemned the attacks, expressing firm confidence in the ability of county election officials to maintain secure elections despite such threats.

An earlier incident on October 8 in Vancouver also involved a ballot box on fire with a device nearby. Authorities believe this incident is related to the recent attacks. Portland Police have identified a vehicle of interest, a possible Volvo, seen on surveillance footage near the affected ballot box.

The FBI has joined the investigation to identify those responsible. Both Oregon and Washington use a vote-by-mail system, with numerous secure drop boxes and voting centers available across the states. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that such threats do not compromise the integrity of the electoral process.