Ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington went up in flames before dawn on Monday, targeted by incendiary devices in what authorities suspect are linked attacks. Markings reading “Free Gaza” were found on the devices, hinting at a possible motive that investigators have yet to confirm. Earlier in October, similar fires occurred in Vancouver, Washington, with devices marked “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine,” leading law enforcement to believe these incidents may be part of a coordinated effort.
The first blaze was reported at 3:30 a.m. in Portland, where city police and the Multnomah County Elections Division managed to quickly extinguish the flames. “Our officers quickly determined that there was an incendiary device attached to the ballot box,” said Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner. Most ballots were saved by the ballot box’s fire suppression system, though three were damaged. Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott confirmed that 409 ballots inside the box were protected, with affected voters set to receive replacements.
A second fire ignited just thirty minutes later in Vancouver, Washington, where officers found another incendiary device. This fire caused greater damage, with Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey estimating “hundreds” of ballots were likely affected. The incident has prompted election officials to consider upgrades to fire suppression systems within ballot drop boxes, acknowledging the need for stronger protections.
Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade called the attacks “an attack on our democracy and completely unacceptable.” Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs also denounced the violence, saying, “We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to disrupt the democratic process.”
As local authorities and the FBI investigate, police in Portland are reviewing footage showing a possible suspect vehicle—a Volvo—near one of the ballot boxes. Commending law enforcement’s quick action, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek warned that “voter intimidation or any criminal act to undermine the upcoming election will not be tolerated.”
