Ballot drop boxes are supposed to be safe havens for voters eager to make their voices heard, but recent incidents have raised alarm bells about their security. Two drop boxes in Oregon and Washington were damaged by arson, just as the 2024 election season heats up, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots. This shocking turn of events has intensified the spotlight on election security and fueled concerns about the influence of conspiracy theories surrounding the electoral process.
On October 28, 2024, federal authorities launched investigations following fires at ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and the Portland, Oregon area. At one of the locations, the flames consumed hundreds of ballots due to the failure of the drop box’s fire suppression system. Fortunately, the fire at the other drop box was contained, resulting in only three ballots being damaged. Police have identified incendiary devices as the cause of these fires and believe the incidents are connected to similar arson attempts made in early October.
Elections Director Tim Scott of Multnomah County stated they would be reaching out to the affected voters to assist them in securing replacement ballots. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey confirmed the alarming extent of the damage suffered at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, during which the ballot box wasn’t emptied since 11 AM on Saturday, leaving the subsequent drop-offs vulnerable. Kimsey described the attack as “a direct attack on democracy” and underscored their intention to increase collection frequency for ballot boxes, changing collection times to evenings to minimize overnight vandalism risks.
Such attacks on ballot drop boxes are not entirely new. They've been utilized across states like Oregon, Colorado, and Washington for years, particularly gaining traction during the COVID-19 pandemic when election officials sought avenues for voters who were wary of crowded polling sites or mail delays. Data compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures indicates 27 states and the District of Columbia currently have laws governing ballot drop boxes. Some areas have them indoors, accessible only during business hours, and others provide outdoor access at any time, equipped with surveillance cameras.
Alarmingly, the security of these drop boxes has been brought to question, especially as they’ve become targets of right-wing conspiracy theories. During the 2020 elections, false claims proliferated, alleging these boxes facilitated widespread voter fraud. A notable example is the debunked film “2,000 Mules,” which baselessly claimed ballot harvesting operations were slipping fraudulent ballots under the cover of darkness. An Associated Press survey revealed no significant problems with drop boxes during the 2020 elections.
Calls for heightened security have prompted states and local jurisdictions to take action. Since 2020, several states have made efforts to restrict or ban ballot drop boxes altogether. For example, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Missouri are among the six states where drop boxes have been outright banned. Meanwhile, states like Georgia have reduced the number of drop boxes available; from 38 to just 10 for the current election. These legislative actions often stem from false narratives and heightened fears about election integrity.
Election security protocols, guided by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, advise officials to position ballot drop boxes in high-foot traffic areas, ideally lit, and monitored with video surveillance. Many states have embraced these recommendations by ensuring drop boxes are bolted to the ground or placed inside public buildings during business hours to increase safety. While these measures are taken to boost voter confidence, concerns persist; fears exacerbated by the spread of disinformation and paranoia surrounding voting methods.
Officials address these issues head-on, emphasizing community engagement and education as key tools to counter conspiracy-oriented narratives. For example, Washington Governor Jay Inslee has called for enhanced 24-hour security around ballot drop-off locations and encouraged voters to stay informed about the ballot process through official channels such as VoteWA.gov.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence and work to identify all involved parties. With elections looming, this situation is particularly concerning; not only because of the immediate threat to the ballots, but also due to the broader ramifications for electoral integrity and public trust. Reports of suspicious vehicles connected to these incidents stress the need for vigilance as officials seek answers. Authorities have also urged the public to remain watchful and report any suspicious activity surrounding ballot drop box locations.
The dual investigations, conducted separately by local police and the FBI, exemplify the present urgency. Portland Assistant Police Chief Amanda McMillan stated, “We are concerned about intentional acts trying to affect the election process. We’re dedicated to stopping behaviors like this.” It’s clear this is more than just igniting flames; it aims to spark chaos and distrust amid such fundamentally democratic processes.
This incident marks not only the destruction of ballots but the erosion of faith within democratic institutions. Voter apathy is already a concern, but with violent acts aimed at discouraging participation, there’s real danger of progressing toward disenfranchisement of the electorate. Every individual ballot dispensed through the drop boxes signals the importance of civic engagement, and efforts undermining this process do not go unnoticed.
With so much on the line as the nation counts down to the upcoming elections, the question looms: How can public confidence be restored, and what steps will be taken to protect the voting process?
