Arson attacks on ballot boxes in US spark election security concerns

Final week, two poll drop packing containers within the Pacific Northwest had been broken in a suspected arson assault destroying lots of of ballots at one location. In neighbouring Portland, Oregon a hearth suppression system contained an analogous blaze, limiting harm. These assaults involving poll assortment packing containers have raised issues concerning the safety of the US presidential polls forward of the primary Election Day.

In New York, the officers of the Board of Elections say a “stolen election” is not doable and elaborate measures have been put in place to counter any subversive makes an attempt.

“A multi-jurisdictional nationwide, state and metropolis huge safety plan is in place for NYC. A few of these you see, some you do not. All of the ballots are secured by the NYPD and we work intently with them. A stolen election in NYC just isn’t doable. We’re all the time attempting to remain forward of the dangerous guys for positive,” says Vincent Ignizio, Deputy Government Director Board of Elections in New York.

Poll drop packing containers have change into an more and more essential a part of the voting course of in lots of states. As many as 27 states and the District of Columbia enable the usage of poll drop packing containers. They’re significantly essential in states like Oregon and Washington, the place voting predominantly happens through mail or poll drop-off.

In Clark County, Washington, about 60% of ballots are submitted by way of drop packing containers. The safety of poll drop packing containers has change into a big focus in US presidential elections, with numerous measures applied to make sure their integrity and shield in opposition to potential threats.

A watchdog group, Property of Folks, on October 28 printed a US Division of Homeland Safety bulletin from September. It identified regarding social media conversations round polls. “Some social media customers are discussing and inspiring numerous strategies of sabotaging poll drop packing containers and avoiding detection, probably heightening the potential for focusing on of this election infrastructure by way of the 2024 election cycle,” states the bulletin, accessed by Property of Folks. Terrance is an early voter who casted his poll on the John Jay Memorial station in NYC. He says the experiences of arson are regarding for the residents like him. His fears, nonetheless, are about broader security of the general course of. He hopes that sufficient measures have been put in place to keep away from what occurred within the final election on January 6, 2021 when supporters of 1 facet smashed by way of barricades and ransacked the US Capitol with the aim of stopping the certification of the subsequent President.

“I believe it’s a concern, I additionally hope that there’s preparation in place relying on what occurs and we can’t see what occurred on Jan 6 final time. I’m positively involved, I strive to not fixate over it however it’s regarding,” says Terrance.

Whereas the authorities declare that strong safety measures are in place to guard poll drop packing containers and any doable threats, the incidents spotlight the necessity for continued adaptation and enhancement of safety protocols to make sure the protection and integrity of the general election course of.