Authorities in Oregon and Washington have identified a suspect vehicle connected to incendiary devices that set fires to ballot drop boxes in both states. Surveillance images show a Volvo stopping at a drop box in Portland just before a fire was discovered inside the box. The incident damaged three ballots. Another fire at a drop box in nearby Vancouver obliterated hundreds of ballots. Material from the incendiary devices recovered indicated that the fires were connected to a previous incident on October 8.
The security systems inside the drop boxes are designed to activate when the temperature reaches a certain point to prevent fires, and although it worked in the Portland drop box, it failed in Vancouver. Coincidentally, Vancouver is part of a closely watched U.S. House race, where the incumbent Democrat is facing a Republican challenger.
The FBI is actively investigating both incidents and is seeking information from the public. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the acts of violence that aim to disrupt the election process. Voters are encouraged to track the status of their ballots online and to report any issues to their local elections department.
Similar incidents of ballot box fires occurred in Phoenix last week, resulting in the destruction of several ballots. Law enforcement and elected officials are working together to ensure that every vote is counted and that the democratic process remains safe and secure.
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