Security increased around ballot boxes in Portland, Vancouver after arson attacks

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Security efforts have increased at ballot drop boxes in Multnomah and Clark County after intentionally set fires destroyed hundreds of ballots on Monday.

Three ballots were burned when a Portland ballot box near the Multnomah County Elections Division office was reportedly set ablaze around 3:30 a.m. A short while later, a second ballot box was discovered on fire at the Fisher's Landing Transit Center in Vancouver with hundreds of ballots inside.

Authorities are still searching for the suspect, whose car was spotted near the ballot boxes. Investigators describe the car as a black or dark-colored 2001-2004 Volvo S-60 with a missing front license plate and an unknown rear plate.

Investigators believe the vehicle is tied to two similar incidents in the Vancouver area. Officials say the incidents are “very similar” in a press conference Monday afternoon.

As of Tuesday morning, police are keeping an eye on the replacement box at Fisher's Landing Transit Center. Both Vancouver and Portland police said their officers have stepped up patrols while on duty.

Vancouver voters who have had to get replacement ballots told KOIN 6 News they are angry that someone seemed to try to interfere with their voting rights. However, PPB Assistant Chief Amanda McMillan said in a press conference on Monday that the motive for these attacks remains unknown.

“We do know acts like this are targeted and their intentional and we’re concerned about that intentional act trying to impact the election process,” McMillan said. “We’re dedicated to stopping this kind of behavior.”

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.