Just one week before the presidential elections, USA faces a series of attacks on mail-in ballot boxes that have put the authorities and the electorate on alert. He FBI and the local police They are investigating several incidents with incendiary devices, which has raised concerns about the security and transparency of the elections.
In Vancouver, Washingtonauthorities found an incendiary device in a voting ballot box early Monday morning. Although no one was injured, some ballots were damaged. Images show firefighters putting out the flames at the scene.
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Portland, Oregonalso reported a similar attack. An incendiary device attempted to affect a ballot collection box, but the fire suppression system prevented further damage. Only three ballots were damaged. The secretary of Oregon State, LaVonne Griffin-Valadecondemned the act, calling it a direct threat to democracy and called for stronger preventive measures.
Increase in electoral violence worries authorities
Steve HobbsSecretary of State of Washingtonalso expressed his rejection of these acts. He stressed the commitment to protecting both election workers and the democratic process in general.
The recent attacks on the west coast add to another case in Phoenix, Arizonawhere a mailbox was set on fire, affecting about 20 slips. Given the increase in these incidents, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI have issued warnings. They point out that certain national extremists, inspired by conspiracy theories and anti-authoritarian positions, could generate electoral violence.
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He DHS reported that “domestic violent extremists” pose a significant threat to election infrastructure, including officials, voters and election staff. Authorities are working to ensure that the elections are safe and to maintain confidence in the country’s democratic system.
US ELECTIONS🗳 🚨
Voting ballots are set on fire in the States of Washington and Oregon, the number of them is unknown.According to first reports, explosive devices were installed early and caused the precincts with the ballots to catch fire.… pic.twitter.com/pnVgXFZozc
— Hugo Suazo (@radio_boreal) October 28, 2024
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Interview: Safeguarding Democracy Amidst Unrest
Time.news Editor: Good morning and thank you for joining us today. In light of the recent attacks on mail-in ballot boxes just a week before the presidential elections, we’ve brought in Dr. Emily Carter, an expert in electoral security and political violence. Dr. Carter, thank you for taking the time to speak with us.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for our democracy, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these troubling developments.
Editor: Absolutely. Just this week, we saw incidents with incendiary devices in Vancouver and Portland, and even a mailbox being set on fire in Phoenix. What do you make of this surge in violent acts against our electoral processes?
Dr. Carter: It’s alarming, to say the least. These attacks are more than just acts of vandalism; they threaten the integrity of our democratic system. When ballot boxes—symbols of our electoral process—are targeted, it raises significant concerns about voter safety and the accessibility of the voting process itself.
Editor: In Portland, the fire suppression system managed to prevent further damage, but we’ve still seen ballots affected. What are the implications of these kinds of attacks on actual voter turnout and public trust in the election?
Dr. Carter: The damage, while it may seem limited, has psychological implications. Voters may feel less secure and more anxious about participating in the election. Additionally, incidents like these can erode trust in the electoral process, leading to decreased turnout and fostering a sense of fear among voters. It’s crucial that we reassure the public that steps are being taken to protect them and their votes.
Editor: Speaking of reassurance, how effective have local and federal authorities been in responding to and preventing these attacks?
Dr. Carter: The response from the FBI and local police is a step in the right direction, but we need a more comprehensive strategy. This includes increased surveillance and protective measures around ballot drop-off locations, public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about how to secure their votes, and a concerted effort to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these attacks.
Editor: LaVonne Griffin-Valade, the Secretary of Oregon State, condemned these violent actions as a direct threat to democracy. What can state and local officials do to bolster safety around elections as we approach the voting date?
Dr. Carter: State and local officials must enhance security protocols around voting locations and ballot drop boxes. Engaging with community organizations to provide extra eyes and support can deter potential threats. Transparency is also essential—effectively communicating to the public about safety measures in place can alleviate fears and encourage participation.
Editor: as we look towards the future of elections in light of these threats, what lasting changes might we see in the way voting is conducted in the U.S.?
Dr. Carter: I believe we may see a stronger push for mail-in voting security reforms, stricter penalties for electoral violence, and possibly an increase in technology use—like tamper-proof ballot boxes and digital tracking of ballots. This might also foster a broader conversation about the health of our democracy and how we safeguard it moving forward.
Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights today. It’s evident that safeguarding our elections is more vital than ever, and each attack underscores the need for vigilance in protecting this cornerstone of democracy.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for shedding light on this issue. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going and ensure that every voice is heard come election day.