Ballot boxes set on fire amid tensions in US presidential election
Ahead of the upcoming US presidential election, ballot drop boxes have been set ablaze in separate incidents in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.
Hundreds of ballots were destroyed in the incidents.
The incidents, which involved incendiary devices, are being investigated by local authorities, who suspect the attacks may have been coordinated.
Police reported similar vehicles spotted at both scenes, indicating a possible link to an earlier attack on a ballot box in Vancouver on October 8.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the attacks as “acts of terror” meant to undermine the democratic process.
“I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state,” Hobbs said in a statement.
He urged voters to verify the status of their ballots online. Voters whose ballots are marked “not received” can print a replacement or visit their local elections office to ensure their votes are counted.
With more than 42 million ballots already cast nationwide, tensions remain high as former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris prepare for a closely contested election.
Washington and Oregon, both states that send ballots by mail to registered voters, allow returns by mail or via secure drop boxes.
