US President Elections: Ballot Boxes Set Ablaze In Oregon And Washington; "Hundreds" Of Votes Destroyed And Many Damaged

In a disturbing escalation of anti-democratic tactics, ballot boxes in Oregon and Washington were set ablaze early Monday using incendiary devices, which authorities suggest may be part of a coordinated effort. 

The devices used in the arson incidents carried markings with the expression "Free Gaza," two sources familiar with the ongoing investigation told ABC News.

The sources said the incendiary device used in the first arson, back on 8 October, had "Free Gaza" and "Free Palestine" on it. 

Monday's attacks, occurring almost simultaneously in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, damaged what officials estimate to be "hundreds" of ballots, though exact figures remain pending, as stated by Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey. 

"It’s a direct attack on democracy," Kimsey declared, underscoring the severity of these attacks ahead of the crucial 2024 presidential election.

The FBI, now investigating these incidents, is working alongside local law enforcement to identify and apprehend those responsible. US Attorney Tessa M Gorman and FBI Seattle Acting Special Agent Greg Austin assured the public of their commitment to bring the perpetrators "fully accountable,".

Local authorities, working against time, managed to retrieve approximately 475 damaged ballots from a burned ballot box in southwest Washington.

While some ballots were destroyed entirely, officials are making efforts to retrieve voter information from the remaining damaged ballots, planning to contact affected voters and issue new ballots where possible.

The implications of these attacks are especially concerning as the nation approaches the 5 November presidential elections.

Such incidents raise urgent questions about the security and safety of Ballots and the ability to shield the electoral process from politically motivated sabotage.

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