US state strengthens ballot box security following arson attacks
In Washington State, more than 400 ballots were destroyed with incendiary devices. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Incendiary devices have reportedly destroyed over 400 ballots in Washington state.
Election officials in Washington have implemented increased ballot security measures following a series of fire incidents that targeted drop boxes. This response comes less than a week ahead of the presidential election scheduled for November 5.
The FBI is actively investigating the motives behind the arson attacks, which occurred in multiple locations within Vancouver and nearby Portland, Oregon, according to FOX Seattle. In Clark County, Washington, more than 400 ballots have reportedly been lost to the flames.
As reported by the Associated Press, an anonymous law enforcement official familiar with the investigation stated that some of the incendiary devices used in Vancouver bore messages declaring “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine.”
In light of the attacks, officials in various counties are taking steps to enhance ballot security. Kendall Hodson, the chief of staff at King County Elections, informed FOX Seattle that ballots will now be collected twice daily instead of the previous once every 24 hours.
Hodson noted that the incidents have led some voters to feel “more comfortable coming into our building and putting it right into our hands.” She reassured that authorities “still have complete confidence in the security of those boxes in the field.”
The Associated Press highlighted concerns among law enforcement officials that the individual responsible for the arson might strike again as investigators work to identify the perpetrator.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the fires as “horrible terrorist attacks” aimed at undermining a fair election.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion also emphasized that “any attempt to intimidate or discourage voters from making their voices heard will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As both Republicans and Democrats continue to accuse one another of eroding trust in the electoral process, security around ballot boxes is being strengthened. There are apprehensions regarding potential civil unrest following the election, regardless of the outcome.
Axios reported on Wednesday that law enforcement in Washington DC has begun reinforcing security measures and erecting fencing around the Capitol in preparation for Inauguration Day as an “added level of security.”
In addition, Republican lawmakers have urged that the National Guard be ready to respond to any civil unrest surrounding the inauguration of the new president.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
Election officials in Washington have implemented increased ballot security measures following a series of fire incidents that targeted drop boxes. This response comes less than a week ahead of the presidential election scheduled for November 5.
The FBI is actively investigating the motives behind the arson attacks, which occurred in multiple locations within Vancouver and nearby Portland, Oregon, according to FOX Seattle. In Clark County, Washington, more than 400 ballots have reportedly been lost to the flames.
As reported by the Associated Press, an anonymous law enforcement official familiar with the investigation stated that some of the incendiary devices used in Vancouver bore messages declaring “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine.”
In light of the attacks, officials in various counties are taking steps to enhance ballot security. Kendall Hodson, the chief of staff at King County Elections, informed FOX Seattle that ballots will now be collected twice daily instead of the previous once every 24 hours.
Hodson noted that the incidents have led some voters to feel “more comfortable coming into our building and putting it right into our hands.” She reassured that authorities “still have complete confidence in the security of those boxes in the field.”
The Associated Press highlighted concerns among law enforcement officials that the individual responsible for the arson might strike again as investigators work to identify the perpetrator.
Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs condemned the fires as “horrible terrorist attacks” aimed at undermining a fair election.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion also emphasized that “any attempt to intimidate or discourage voters from making their voices heard will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As both Republicans and Democrats continue to accuse one another of eroding trust in the electoral process, security around ballot boxes is being strengthened. There are apprehensions regarding potential civil unrest following the election, regardless of the outcome.
Axios reported on Wednesday that law enforcement in Washington DC has begun reinforcing security measures and erecting fencing around the Capitol in preparation for Inauguration Day as an “added level of security.”
In addition, Republican lawmakers have urged that the National Guard be ready to respond to any civil unrest surrounding the inauguration of the new president.
Debra A Smith contributed to this report for TROIB News
