FBI Investigates Possible Arson of Vancouver Ballot Box, Raising Concerns Over Hundreds of Potentially Burned Ballots

 VANCOUVER, Wash. — Authorities report that a ballot box in Vancouver was set on fire in an arson incident early Monday morning, potentially damaging hundreds of ballots.

Investigators suspect this event is linked to two other arson cases in Portland and Southwest Washington. KATU arrived at Fisher's Landing Transit Center around 4 a.m., where thick smoke was visible emanating from a drop-off ballot box.

Photographer Evan Bell captured images of grey smoke billowing from the Park and Ride ballot box located near Southeast 162nd Avenue. Multiple police units responded, cordoning off the area as the ballot box continued to smoke.

By around 6 a.m., KATU filmed first responders removing a pile of burning ballots, which continued to smolder even after the flames were extinguished.

According to the Clark County elections auditor, the last ballot pickup at that location occurred at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Hundreds of ballots were in the box at the time of the fire, and officials indicated that only a few might be salvaged. Voters who dropped off ballots at this site after the last pickup should contact the Election Auditor's Office immediately to request a new ballot. More information can be found on the Clark County Elections page.

The Vancouver Police Department issued a statement at 9 a.m., confirming that officers responded to reports of a burning ballot box at 3510 SE 164th Ave. Upon arrival, they found a suspicious device next to the box. The Metro Explosive Disposal Unit safely collected the device, and fire crews extinguished the blaze. Detectives from the Vancouver Police Arson team and the Vancouver Fire Marshals also attended the scene.

The FBI is now leading the investigation into the incident. They released a statement indicating that they are coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to investigate both the Vancouver and Portland incidents that occurred on October 28. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest FBI office or submit tips through tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).

Earlier that morning, Portland police responded to a similar arson at a ballot box in Southeast Portland, where an incendiary device caused a fire that damaged only three ballots. The authorities believe the two incidents are connected.

A police spokesperson noted that the Vancouver ballot box was equipped with a fire suppression system, which unfortunately failed during the incident. They clarified that the suspicious device found was not a bomb.

Additionally, investigators are linking these arsons to an incident on October 8, when another Vancouver ballot box was scorched by an incendiary device. The Clark County Auditor confirmed that the drop box at the C-Tran Transit Center has since been replaced.

The police released a photo of a suspect vehicle believed to be involved in the arsons. Charges for the perpetrator may include possession and manufacture of a destructive device, unlawful use of a weapon, criminal mischief in the first degree, reckless burning, obstructing governmental or judicial administration, and illegal acts related to voting machines or vote tally systems.

Ballots must be submitted by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. Voters can mail their ballots using the postage-paid envelope provided or drop them off at any ballot box in the county. A complete list of ballot drop-off locations is available at clarkvotes.org.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.