The US presidential election is shrouded in controversy as hundreds of early ballots have been burned in suspected attacks in Washington and Oregon. In Vancouver, Washington, smoke was reported coming from a ballot drop box, and firefighters discovered burning ballots inside. The elections auditor for Clark County has urged voters who deposited their ballots after a certain time to request new voting documents online.
In a similar incident in Portland, Oregon, an incendiary device was set off in a ballot drop box near an elections division building. Security staff extinguished the fire before police arrived, and the device was safely removed by the bomb squad. The Department of Homeland Security had previously warned of potential attacks on election infrastructure, with drop boxes being seen as a vulnerable target.
These incidents come amidst heightened tensions surrounding the election, with concerns about possible disruptions and challenges to the vote tallies. Far-right groups supporting Donald Trump have been monitoring election drop boxes as part of their activities leading up to the election.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of protecting the right to vote and have called for increased security measures to prevent further attacks on ballot drop boxes. The incidents have sparked outrage and condemnation from political leaders and citizens alike, highlighting the need to safeguard the democratic process during this critical time.
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