BALLOT BOX FIRES IN WASHINGTON, OREGON DESTROY HUNDREDS OF BALLOTS

WASHINGTON, Oct 29 (Bernama-UPI) -- Two ballot box fires in Washington and Oregon early Monday morning destroyed hundreds of ballots, just eight days before the Nov 5 general election.

Federal authorities are investigating the arson fires after an "incendiary device" was placed inside a ballot drop box just before 3.30 am local time in the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street in Portland, according to United Press International (UPI).

"By the time officers arrived, the fire had already been extinguished by security personnel who work in the area. Officers determined an incendiary device was placed inside the ballot box and used to ignite the fire," the Portland Police Bureau wrote in a statement. 

A "suspicious device" was found next to a ballot box in Vancouver, which is just over the state line, around 4 am. The boxes are about 15 miles apart. Investigators say it is still unclear whether the two ballot box arsons are connected. 

The ballot box fire in Portland destroyed three ballots, according to the Multnomah County Elections Division.

"Fire suppressant inside the ballot box protected virtually all the ballots. Only three ballots suffered damage and Elections will contact those three voters, via unique identifiers on their ballot envelopes, so they can receive replacement ballots," the Elections Division said in a statement Monday.

"We have multiple systems and security measures in place to ensure your ballot is safe," Multnomah County Elections Director Tim Scott said. "Your Elections team is working hard to make sure that every vote counts."

The ballot box fire in Vancouver destroyed hundreds of ballots, according to Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey, who said anyone who dropped off a ballot in the drop box near Fisher's Landing Transit Depot after 11 am Saturday should contact the county elections division.

"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," said Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs.

"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," Hobbs added.

UPI reported the Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local authorities to investigate both the Vancouver and Portland fires. Anyone with information is asked to contact tips.fbi.gov.

-- BERNAMA-UPI