FBI Investigating Suspected Arson Involving Mail-In Ballot Dropbox

Authorities say that a ballot box in Vancouver was set on fire in an arson incident on Monday morning, potentially damaging hundreds of ballots.

Investigators believe the incident may be linked to two other arson cases in Portland and Southwest Washington, KATU reported.

The outlet said a dropbox at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver was set ablaze, damaging or destroying potentially hundreds of ballots. “Multiple police units were in the area, and the ballot box was cordoned off by police tape as it continued to smoke,” the outlet reported.

“The Clark County elections auditor told us that the last ballot pickup at that location was 11 a.m. Saturday,” the outlet reported.

“Hundreds of ballots were inside at the time of the burning, and KATU was told there were likely only a few that could be saved,” it added.

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The report also noted that voters could track the status of their ballots at this website.

Vancouver Police released the following statement at 9 a.m.:

This morning at about 4:00 a.m., Vancouver Police responded to an arson at a ballot box located at 3510 SE 164th Ave. It was reported that the ballot box was smoking and on fire. Officers arrived and located a suspicious device next to the box. The ballot box was smoking and was on fire. Members of the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU) arrived and safely collected the device, and the fire was extinguished. Detectives from the Vancouver Police Arson team and the Vancouver Fire Marshals also responded.

The FBI is continuing the investigation of this incident.

The bureau also issued a statement, according to the outlet: