Vancouver sees high in-person voter turnout on Election eve
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- In-person voting is ramping up in Vancouver, with some waiting hours to cast their ballots.
Just one week after police say a suspect set a ballot box on fire, officials are ramping up security with more police at voting sites and drop-off locations.
A new video released on Monday shows the suspect setting up a firebomb, lighting it and driving off early on Monday, Oct. 28.
Vancouver resident James Sannes says the incident influenced his decision to wait in line.
"It did kind of sketch me out a bit dropping it in a ballot box versus, you know, mailing it back or how I've done it in the past. But from what I've seen, it seems they've taken care of it," he said.
To increase voter confidence, the city says it's teaming up with the elections office, the Clark County Sheriff's Office, and Vancouver police to monitor all 22 ballot drop boxes 24/7.
On Monday, extra staff, paid observers and volunteers made sure ballots stayed safe and got picked up faster. If someone does threaten democracy, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle made it clear that she's ready to take action.
"We all know the plan. We know what we need to do if something should happen, and everything is secure right now," she said.
The goal is to ensure voters can cast their ballots with confidence, free from disruptions. Despite the concerns, some are determined to wait in line — showing that even in uncertain times, participation remains a priority.
"We've got some good people in line to chat with, so, you know, it's a friendly vibe here so I appreciate that," Sannes said.
First-time voter Frank Munoz says he'd wait all over again — just to exercise his right to vote, a quiet but powerful testament to freedom:
"It's kind of crazy how a lot of people here are different cultures, different ethnicities, and it's pretty cool to talk with everyone here and getting their view on things," he said.