𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐨𝐱𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐔𝐩

In a disturbing twist to the final countdown of early voting, authorities in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, are racing to assess the damage after ballot drop boxes were deliberately set ablaze on Monday. 

The incidents, which have raised alarm about election security, resulted in the destruction of hundreds of ballots just as voters gear up for next Tuesday’s presidential election.

Officials say the fires were intentionally set, but motives remain under investigation. Law enforcement in both states is working closely with federal agencies, focusing on surveillance footage and witness statements. 

"Every vote matters, and we’re committed to ensuring these acts don’t disrupt the integrity of the election process," said a Portland Police Bureau spokesperson.

The blaze in Portland reportedly destroyed hundreds of ballots, many of which had been deposited only hours before the fire. 

In Vancouver, Washington, the damage appeared less extensive, but officials are urging voters who dropped off ballots in the affected boxes to check the status of their ballots online.

The incidents have ignited a flurry of responses from candidates, with calls for increased security measures and even temporary police monitoring of ballot boxes in high-risk areas.

 Election officials in both states are urging anyone with information about the fires to come forward, emphasizing that any attempts to tamper with the democratic process will face strict consequences.

As Election Day approaches, the public remains on edge, with these attacks underscoring concerns about voter access and election safety.