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Ballot drop boxes face physical threats amidst misinformation campaign


Authorities in Oregon and Washington are investigating two recent ballot drop box fires that have raised concerns among voters as Election Day draws near. Three ballots were damaged in Portland, Oregon, after an incendiary device was found in a ballot box, while officials fear hundreds of ballots were damaged in Vancouver, Washington, due to a fire near a drop box. Experts note that drop boxes have been targets of misinformation, particularly in 2020 when former President Donald Trump questioned the security of mail-in ballots.

US intelligence officials have warned of potential threats from “domestic violent extremists” targeting ballot drop boxes due to their accessibility. These warnings were issued in internal reports by the Department of Homeland Security and FBI leading up to the election. The incidents in Oregon and Washington are not isolated, with similar attacks occurring in Massachusetts and California in 2020.

Drop boxes are seen as a secure means for voters to submit mail-in ballots, providing an alternative to the US Postal Service. Various security features are in place, such as fire suppressants and video surveillance in outdoor and indoor boxes, respectively. Despite widespread misinformation about drop boxes, experts say they offer a reliable and secure way to protect ballots, with little evidence of voter fraud associated with them.

State and local election officials have systems in place to safeguard ballots and replace damaged ones. Authorities in Oregon and Washington have assured voters that their ballots are safe and that threats or acts of violence aimed at undermining the democratic process will not be tolerated. Given the prevalence of misinformation since 2020, experts believe that physical attacks on drop boxes are likely related to this misinformation.

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