'Acts of terror': Officials react to Washington, Oregon ballot box arsons

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Local officials are responding to two ballot box arsons that happened early Monday morning, one outside the Multnomah County Elections Division offices in Portland and another in the Fisher's Landing area of Vancouver.

The first incident was reported just after 3:30 a.m. in Portland when smoke was reported from a ballot box on SE Morrison Street, the fire was put out before officials arrived at the scene.

The next fire was reported just 30 minutes later in Vancouver when smoke was seen flowing from the ballot box.

In both instances, suspicious devices were removed by explosive disposal units.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations announced that they are investigating both incidents to find out who is responsible. So far, only a suspect vehicle has been connected to the case.

Auditor Greg Kimsey said Clark County will “try to obtain fire suppression devices that work better,” adding that they are “modifying our ballot retrieval schedule, and encouraging voters to deposit their ballots” before 5:30 p.m.

Portland police sources told KOIN 6 News that the two arsons are connected.

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs denounced the arson in Vancouver calling it an act of terror.

"We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process. I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state. Despite this incident, I have complete confidence in our county elections official’s ability to keep Washington’s elections safe and secure for all voters."

Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin followed in suit calling it an attack on democracy, and also sharing that only three ballots were damaged in the Portland incident.

"Make no mistake, an attack on a ballot box is an attack on our democracy and completely unacceptable. Whatever the motivation behind this incident, there is no justification for any attempt to disenfranchise voters. I want to commend the Multnomah County Elections Division. Only 3 ballots were impacted by this event and those voters are being contacted so the issue can be corrected. This shows that our systems are safe and secure."

Governor Tina Kotek also released a short statement calling the arsons "un-American."

"Voter intimidation or any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election is un-American and will not be tolerated. I commend the rapid response from Multnomah County Elections and law enforcement to ensure that Oregon voters can securely cast their ballots this election."

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden posted on X saying that whoever committed the arsons needs to be prosecuted.

Any attack that interferes with the right to vote in America is unacceptable and those behind these attacks must be fully prosecuted. Democracy depends on all eligible Americans having the opportunity to vote without fear of interference.

Washington Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez also issued a statement standing against political violence and saying that hundreds of ballots were destroyed because of the fire.

"Early this morning, a ballot drop box was set on fire at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots. I am incredibly thankful to the local first responders who quickly arrived on scene, put out the fire, and salvaged the ballots they could.

"There is absolutely zero place in our democracy for political violence or interference against our fellow citizens, election workers, or voting infrastructure. I hope the perpetrator of this reprehensible act is quickly apprehended – and local and federal law enforcement have my full support in working to keep our democratic process safe and secure.

"Our right to vote needs to be protected under all circumstances. We can’t yield to intimidation, and we must continue to stand up against unpatriotic acts such as this one. Your vote matters, so I encourage everyone who dropped off a ballot this weekend at the Fisher’s Landing Transit Center to get in touch with the Clark County Elections Office and request a replacement.

"I am requesting an overnight law enforcement presence be posted at all ballot drop boxes in Clark County through Election Day. Southwest Washington cannot risk a single vote being lost to arson and political violence. I’ll continue to closely monitor this situation and share resources and updates with constituents who may have been affected."

Joe Kent, who is currently running against Gluesenkamp Perez to represent Washington's 3rd District, shared on X that voters should have confidence that law enforcement will stop whoever is behind the vandalism.

Stay focused on driving voter turn out & early voting, don’t be deterred from voting by a cowardly act of terrorism. Vote early, check your voter status & have confidence that our great law enforcement officers in will stop whoever attacked our democratic process.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.