This election cycle has been hard on everyone, and with less than a week left until the general election, tensions are high—so high that some feel they may combust. For ballot boxes in the Pacific Northwest, that’s precisely what happened. A bad actor ignited ballot collection boxes for mail-in ballots in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. Hundreds of ballots cast in good faith were damaged, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In a time when many are increasingly anxious about potential violence surrounding the election and its results, this incident is alarming. Concerns for voter safety are at an all-time high, and now ballot boxes are being burned.
Ballot boxes play a crucial role in providing accessible voting options, especially in high-turnout elections where many people vote early. Since the 2020 election, efforts to undermine voter confidence in the electoral process have escalated, and acts of arson against mail-in ballots only worsen public unease.
According to Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, 475 ballots were retrieved from the blaze. Starting today, officials will assess which ballots are salvageable and which voters need to be contacted to re-cast their ballots. This number does not include ballots burned beyond recognition.
Protective measures for ballot boxes exist precisely for situations like this. The boxes are under surveillance—which has already helped authorities identify a vehicle of interest—and ballots are frequently collected to prevent incidents. Authorities are also enhancing ballot box protections through increased surveillance, fire-resistant materials, and, in some cases, fire-suppression systems within the boxes.
The arsonist, if caught, will face hefty charges. Potential charges include arson, tampering with elections, obstructing the electoral process (a federal offense), and destruction of government property—each carrying significant prison time.
Officials are urging voters who suspect their ballots were affected to track their ballot status. Ballot tracking is essential when voting by mail, even without the added concern of arson. Citizens concerned their ballot may have been burned can visit their election office to request a provisional ballot. If their original ballot was among those compromised, the provisional will count in its place; otherwise, it will not be tallied, preserving their vote’s integrity.
With voters understandably rattled by this incident, it’s crucial that elected officials and election workers recognize the need to restore public trust. Voters need to feel safe and secure in the election process, and if closer vigilance is required, steps must be taken to ensure transparency and security at the polls and ballot boxes. Amid concerns about voter intimidation in this divisive election, safety and reassurance are paramount.
Attempts to disrupt the democratic process are nothing new, but our electoral system is always evolving. Dedicated experts work to ensure the process remains efficient and secure. Though unsettling, officials are determined to make this an isolated incident. For those waiting to cast their ballots in the 2024 presidential election—stay vigilant, take a deep breath, and head to the polls.
