Incendiary device discovered in Portland ballot box, investigation underway
PORTLAND, Ore. — An investigation is ongoing after authorities discovered an incendiary device inside a ballot drop box early Monday morning in Southeast Portland. According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. at a ballot box located on the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street.
Responding officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s Central Precinct arrived to find the fire had already been extinguished by security personnel monitoring the area. Authorities determined that an incendiary device had been placed inside the ballot box and used to start the fire. The department’s Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called in to clear the device and secure the scene.
Investigators from the Portland Fire Investigations Unit, which includes fire investigators from Portland Fire & Rescue and a detective from the Portland Police Bureau, are leading the inquiry. Their efforts will include analyzing evidence collected at the scene to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
More fires were reported.
Fire suppressant systems within the ballot box protected nearly all the ballots from damage, according to the Multnomah County Elections Division. Only three ballots sustained damage, and election officials confirmed they would contact those voters to issue replacements. “We have multiple systems and security measures in place to ensure your ballot is safe,’’ Elections Director Tim Scott said.
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The incident did not impact the Multnomah County Elections Division Building, which remains open and operational. Authorities stated that security teams continue to patrol and monitor ballot boxes around the clock, and no other drop sites in the county were affected by the incident.
The FBI is reportedly investigating these incidents, but has yet to issue an official announcement on the matter.