US Elections 2024: Explosive devices put ballot drop boxes on fire, destroy hundreds of votes
Representational image of ballots in US elections.
Days before the United States is set to hold presidential elections in the country, explosive devices set at least two drop-off ballot boxes on fire in Washington State House district and Portland, Oregon.
In a statement, police stated that they responded to a call regarding a fire in Portland which started after an incendiary device blasted a ballot box and destroyed hundreds of ballots.
The police said that the incendiary device was placed in the box and the fire was extinguished by the security personnel.
Another ballot box was set on fire at a bus station in Vancouver, Washington, as per the Vancouver Police Department. After the officers arrived, they discovered a “suspicious device” near the box which was on fire, said the police.
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Speaking to Oregon Live, Clark County auditor Greg Kimseysaid, “It appears that a device was attached to the outside of the ballot drop box that resulted in the ballots being ignited."
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Hundreds of ballots destroyed: Police
“We don’t have the exact number [of ballots], but it was hundreds,” he added.
Speaking to The New York Post, Kimsey said that the most recent ballot pickup from the box took place on Saturday (Oct 26).
“Anyone who deposited ballots after 11:00 Saturday morning should contact us immediately. Our team will replace their ballot," he said.
The Portland Police Bureau said that they reached the ballot boxes around 3:30 a.m. Monday (Oct 28).
Watch:US Election 2024 | Explained: US Presidential Elections 2024
“By the time officers arrived, the fire had already been extinguished by security personnel who work in the area. Officers determined an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to ignite the fire,” said Portland Policein a statement.
The officials are not sure if the two incidents were related.
Speaking to The Associated Press, Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey in Vancouver said that there was a fire suppression system inside the ballot drop box at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Centre.
Kimsey said that the burning pile of ballots from the box was pulled out by the responders. “Heartbreaking. It’s a direct attack on democracy," Kimsey said.
(With inputs from agencies)