Ballot Box Arson in Washington and Oregon

Ballot boxes were intentionally set on fire in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, on October 28. Authorities say the attacks in Washington and Oregon were linked. These come after a U.S. Postal Office mailbox was set on fire in Phoenix, Arizona on October 24.

Washington and Oregon: The incendiary devices dropped in the ballot boxes had pro-Palestinian messages written on them. A note saying  "ALL DROP BOXES WILL BURN. FREE GAZA" was found at the Vancouver drop box. While the fire suppression system was successful in keeping virtually all ballots safe within the Oregon drop box, with only three ballots being damaged, it was not as effective in suppressing the fire in the Washington box, damaging an estimated 475 ballots.

Arizona: In Arizona, Dieter Klofkorn was arrested for the incident and reportedly admitted to the arson while denying it was politically motivated. The Arizona Secretary of State office said five ballots were damaged. 

For Context: In 2020, fires were reported in ballot drop boxes in Massachusetts and California. Patrols have increased around ballot boxes to deter further incidents. 

How The Media Covered It: Outlets on the left were more likely to highlight misinformation and physical threats targeted at drop boxes, while outlets on the right emphasized the pro-Gaza messages on the incendiary devices.