FBI investigates fire at ballot drop boxes in Portland, Vancouver

The FBI is investigating after two ballot drop boxes in the Portland, Oregon, area were set on fire early on Monday, with officials saying the incidents appear to be connected to similar arson attempts.

In Vancouver, Washington, a city just north of Portland, a ballot box was severely damaged, destroying hundreds of ballots. Local reports indicate that an explosive device had been attached to the box. Meanwhile, another incendiary device was ignited in a Portland ballot drop box, causing minor damage and affecting three ballots.

At a news conference on Monday, police connected these cases to an earlier attempted arson at a Vancouver ballot box on October 8, where a fire was attempted but failed to damage any ballots. Authorities said they have identified a suspect vehicle in connection with the incidents.

"We’re not certain of the motive," said Amanda McMillan, assistant chief of the Portland Police Department. "But we know these actions are targeted and intentional."

Potential charges against the suspect could include possession of a destructive device and election-related offenses. Officials urged voters who placed ballots in the damaged Vancouver box after 3:30 pm on Saturday to verify their ballot status and contact election officials for replacements if necessary.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the incidents, emphasising confidence in the state’s election security.