Washington steps up security measures at ballot boxes after arsons

RENTON, Wash. – The FBI is investigating a motive behind the devices sparked fires at polling stations in Vancouver and Portland early Monday morning.

This is reported by the Associated Press devices had messages of “Free Gaza” marked on it.

As detectives track down a suspect involved in the arson, some county auditors are increasing voting security. Starting Wednesday, King County Elections will collect ballots from all 84 polling places twice a day ballot boxes. This comes after targeted mailbox fires destroyed more than 400 ballots in Clark County.

Kendall Hodson, chief of staff for King County Elections, explained that it is routine for a few staff members to retrieve ballots from mailboxes once a day. As election days approach, they increase collection services. However, that schedule changed after the arson attacks on three ballot boxes.

“As a result of what we’ve seen with drop boxes across the region and the attacks on them, we added that shift earlier,” Hodson said.

Several people are using the drive-thru ballot drop box at the King County Elections headquarters in Renton to cast their ballots. Hodson said that after the arsons, she noticed more people dropping off their ballots indoors.

“I think we’ve heard anecdotally from some voters that because of what’s been in the news, they feel more comfortable coming into our building and putting the law in our hands. That’s fine,” Hodson said. “We still have complete confidence in the security of those boxes in the field. But if that makes voters feel better, then absolutely come to Renton and let us take your ballot off your hands.”

As Election Day approaches and more and more people cast their ballots, the FBI and local police are investigating the targeted fires and a possible motive. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said the attacks attempted to disrupt a fair election.

“Dealing with this terrible terrorist attack, that’s basically what it is,” Hobbs told FOX 13 Seattle.

Detectives are investigating the possibility that the fires are a terrorist attack.

Frank Figliuzzi is a senior national security and intelligence analyst at NBC News and former deputy director of counterintelligence at the FBI. Figliuzzi said there is heightened concern about domestic terrorist groups taking action during this election cycle.

“It means they can focus on the softer targets at the provincial and state level. And what would those soft goals look like? Well, they could be a local voting place, but more likely it’s where the county votes are shown on election night. , and that worries me,” Figliuzzi said. “Local, state and county law enforcement and sheriffs must be attuned to these locations. They need to have their ears to the ground, intelligence-wise, and be prepared for the worst to protect the property and the people within it. those areas where votes are being counted.”

The Associated Press reported that police believe the man suspected of the arsons has experience in the metals sector and may be planning to strike again.

Hodson said the King County Elections team is confident in their plan to protect people and their voting rights.

“We’ve also been in close communication with all of our dropbox partners who host these boxes. So they’re also monitoring those boxes and letting us know when anything unusual is going on. And the other really important part of this is that we regularly working with local law enforcement agencies, the King County Sheriff’s Office and even our federal partners, who monitor these types of activities and help us respond,” Hodson said.

King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said attacks on democracy will not be tolerated.

“Any attempt to intimidate or discourage voters from making their voices heard will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Manion said.

As a result of the arsons, other provincial election offices in the region are increasing security measures. Thurston County is one of them.

“This weekend we are adding additional ballot collection routes to ensure your ballots are collected safely and quickly. Additionally, our ballot drop teams will be followed on election night by Thurston County Sheriff’s Deputies to provide additional security said Thurston County. Auditor Mary Hall

Pierce County increased ballot collection to every 24 hours, which officials say is higher than the normal pace at this point in the election. The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office said the drop boxes have fire suppression equipment, custom locks and tamper evident seals. Two employees routinely collect ballots, and private security monitors all mailboxes at night.

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