After ballots boxes were set on fire in Oregon and Washington in the US on Monday ahead of the November 5 elections, theories about who could be behind the acts emerged on social media. Some claimed that the Republicans and Donald Trump were trying to 'sabotage' the elections and going to 'desperate lengths' for that.
"Republicans are already trying to sabotage the election," an X user called Brian Allen wrote in an X post. "They’re going to desperate lengths to mess with this election—stay alert," he added.
Republicans are already trying to sabotage the election. 🚨⚠️JUST IN: A ballot drop box in Washington was literally set on fire, with hundreds of ballots inside at the time. Police found explosive devices were used early Monday morning. They’re going to desperate lengths… pic.twitter.com/OugjUM2T6o
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) October 28, 2024
As per a report by the Associated Press, explosive devices were placed inside two ballot boxes – one in Portland, in the state of Oregon, and the other one in Vancouver, in Washington. In Portland, the fire hydrant suppressor placed inside worked, leading to only three ballots getting destroyed. But in Vancouver, the fire suppressor did not work leading to hundreds of ballots burning down to ashes.
Another user said: "Ballot box set on fire in Vancouver, Washington as ballots burn. This is Election Interference. Is America paying attention?"
Ballot box set on fire in Vancouver, Washington as ballots burn.This is Election Interference.Is America paying attention? pic.twitter.com/KWmAEiDHZg
— Lucifer (@krishnakamal077) October 28, 2024
"ANTIFA is setting the ballot boxes on fire. Very desperate Marxists," added another.
ANTIFA is setting the ballot boxes on fire. Very desperate Marxists. pic.twitter.com/7aqzaeoCf9
— Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) October 28, 2024
Local authorities in both Vancouver and Washington said that they are investigating the incident. Meanwhile, since only three ballots were destroyed in the case of Portland, the election officials in Clark County, the site of the incident, said that they would contact the affected voters and obtain replacement ballots. In Vancouver, hundreds of ballots have been decided, and authorities are yet to announce how replacement of the ballots will be added.
Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey was emotional, as he spoke about the matter on Monday. He called in heartbreaking and a "direct attack on democracy."