October 30th 2024.
Two ballot drop boxes in the Pacific Northwest were recently damaged in a suspected arson attack, just a week before the highly anticipated US election day. The incident occurred at two different locations: one in Vancouver, Washington and the other in Portland, Oregon. The destruction was more severe at the Vancouver site, where hundreds of ballots were destroyed, while the fire suppression system at the Portland location managed to contain the blaze and limit the damage to only three ballots. As authorities investigate the incident, they are reviewing surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the culprit responsible for this act of vandalism.
So, what exactly happened? Well, it appears that incendiary devices were used to start the fires at both locations. The evidence suggests that these incidents are connected, and they may also be related to another incident on October 8th, when an incendiary device was placed at a different drop box in Vancouver. As election officials work to address the damage and ensure that every vote is counted, Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott has assured the public that they will reach out to the three voters whose ballots were damaged in Portland and help them obtain replacements.
In Vancouver, the damage was more severe as the fire suppression system at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center failed to function properly. This resulted in the loss of hundreds of ballots, as the box was last emptied at 11 am on Saturday. To prevent further incidents, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey has announced that they will be increasing the frequency of collection and changing the collection times to evenings to avoid leaving the drop boxes full overnight when vandalism is more likely to occur. Kimsey has also condemned the suspected arson as "a direct attack on democracy."
But what exactly are ballot drop boxes and when can they be used? These boxes have been in use for years in states like Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, where all registered voters receive their ballots in the mail. They gained popularity in 2020 as a safe and convenient option for voters during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 27 states and the District of Columbia allow the use of drop boxes, while six others do not have a specific law but allow local communities to use them.
However, the placement and security measures for these drop boxes can vary widely. Some are located inside public buildings and are only available during office hours, while others are outside and accessible at any time, usually equipped with video surveillance or someone monitoring them. While incidents of damage or tampering have occurred in the past, they have been sporadic and have not been widespread.
Unfortunately, drop boxes have been under scrutiny in recent years due to conspiracy theories that falsely claim they are responsible for massive voter fraud. These theories have been debunked, but they continue to undermine confidence in the use of drop boxes. In fact, in the 2022 midterms, armed vigilantes showed up in Arizona to monitor these boxes, and in Montana, the unsubstantiated claim of ballot box tampering was used to raise money for a US Senate race. As a result, some states have responded by tightening rules around mail voting, with a particular focus on drop boxes. Six states have banned them altogether, while others have restricted their use.
In conclusion, while drop boxes have been a reliable and convenient option for many voters, they have faced challenges in recent years due to unfounded conspiracy theories. However, election officials continue to prioritize the security and accessibility of these boxes, and measures are being taken to ensure that every vote is counted. Let us not allow these theories to undermine our faith in the democratic process and the importance of exercising our right to vote.
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