Arson attacks on ballot boxes in US spark election security concerns

Final week, two poll drop bins within the Pacific Northwest have been broken in a suspected arson assault destroying tons of of ballots at one location. In neighbouring Portland, Oregon a fireplace suppression system contained the same blaze, limiting injury. These assaults involving poll assortment bins have raised considerations in regards to the safety of the US presidential polls forward of the principle 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 extensive 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 is just not doable. We’re at all times attempting to remain forward of the unhealthy guys for positive,” says Vincent Ignizio, Deputy Government Director Board of Elections in New York. Poll drop bins have develop into an more and more necessary a part of the voting course of in lots of states. As many as 27 states and the District of Columbia permit the usage of poll drop bins. They’re significantly essential in states like Oregon and Washington, the place voting predominantly happens by way of mail or poll drop-off.

In Clark County, Washington, about 60% of ballots are submitted by means of drop bins. The safety of poll drop bins has develop into a major focus in US presidential elections, with varied measures carried out to make sure their integrity and shield in opposition to potential threats.

A watchdog group, Property of Individuals, 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 varied strategies of sabotaging poll drop bins and avoiding detection, probably heightening the potential for focusing on of this election infrastructure by means of the 2024 election cycle,” states the bulletin, accessed by Property of Individuals. Terrance is an early voter who casted his poll on the John Jay Memorial station in NYC. He says the reviews 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 means of barricades and ransacked the US Capitol with the aim of stopping the certification of the subsequent President.

“I feel 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 sturdy safety measures are in place to guard poll drop bins and any doable threats, the incidents spotlight the necessity for continued adaptation and enhancement of safety protocols to make sure the security and integrity of the general election course of.