SEATTLE, Washington (PNN) - October 28, 2024 - The 2024 presidential election is suddenly hotter than ever as hundreds of ballots have been burned in arson attacks on ballot boxes in numerous states.

The attacks took place at two ballot drop boxes Monday morning in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, and local authorities have turned the investigation over to the FBI.

The first blaze broke out in Portland around 3:30 a.m. local time, as an "incendiary device" was placed inside the box.

KGW-TV reports, "Security personnel extinguished the fire before officers arrived. Portland (cops) determined an 'incendiary device' was put inside the ballot box to ignite the fire. The bureau's Explosive Disposal Unit removed the device."

A half-hour later, at around 4:00 a.m., at a drop box 15 miles away in Vancouver, Washington, hundreds of ballots were damaged at the C-TRAN Park and Ride at Fisher's Landing Transit Center.

KGW noted, "The officers found a 'suspicious device' next to the ballot box, which was smoking and on fire, according to Vancouver (cops). A KGW crew saw flames and smoke coming from the ballot box at around 6:30 a.m.

"The Metro Explosive Disposal Unit retrieved the device and the fire was extinguished, Vancouver (cops) said."

"Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey told KGW that hundreds of ballots were severely burned, many of which were destroyed. Kimsey said anyone who dropped off a ballot in that box after 11:00 a.m. on Saturday should contact the elections division at 564-397-2345 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.."

CNN reports, "Other fires affecting ballots have been recently reported across the country. Last week, a mailbox outside a Phoenix post office was set on fire, damaging an unknown number of ballots. A 35-year-old man was charged with arson in connection with the incident. The Phoenix (cop) department said he told them it was not politically motivated."