With the presidential election coming up soon, tension in the United States is only rising. In the weeks leading up to the election there have been multiple reports of ballot boxes being set on fire. In these ballot boxes, hundreds of ballots were affected, some destroyed completely and others are not legible to read as reported by the Portland Police Bureau.
What was the cause of these fires? An incendiary device placed onto the ballot boxes, in both Portland and Vancouver. The smoke that rose from these devices alerted the public and the police, who ensured the device was deactivated safely and removed by the local bomb squad. Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner, says the design of the device reveals an expertise in metalworking and welding, hunting the person behind the crime spent more than minimum effort in devising their plan. Luckily, the ballot box in Portland has already been replaced, 15 miles from the other ballot box that was affected in Vancouver, in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. The person behind this act was a thirty five year old man, called Dieter B. Klofkorn, who admitted to starting the fires himself. The Phoenix Police Department stated he claimed that he had no political motive in placing these devices, and another source claims he did it in order to be arrested, and the crime was on purpose. Furthermore, it has been ruled that Klorfkorn has been charged with arson.
In response to this crime, the police responded by increasing security around ballot boxes and sending a message: “Make no mistake, an attack on a ballot box is an attack on our democracy and completely unacceptable,” said Oregon Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade. Although the attack on the ballot boxes may not have been political, the message it sent reflected the tension the whole country is feeling. The election determines the future of the country, and these moments highlight the overall anxiety of this election. Despite these events, state leaders are still encouraging people to submit their votes, with a new promise of increased security, attempting to reassure fears.
Overall, this event serves as an example of the response to setbacks in the electoral process. It fortunately motivated leaders to reinforce security measures around ballot boxes, reflecting the country’s commitment to the safety of the American people and the democratic process. In increasing security measures, leaders might have also reassured the people’s trust revolving around public safety
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/28/ballot-box-on-fire-washington-oregon
