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October 29, 2024
Earlier this week, ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR were set on fire, burning ballots and causing damage to the box. In the heightened and divisive environment of this Presidential Election, safety and security remain King County Elections’ top priorities.
“This attack is a blatant attempt to scare voters and sow doubt in the security of vote-by-mail elections. Here in King County, we will not be deterred from the critical work of democracy. We are prepared and ready to make sure our voters can return their ballot safely and securely,” stated Julie Wise, King County Director of Elections.
Constructed of steel, weighing in at over 1,000 pounds, with no pry points and multiple locking mechanisms, and equipped with fire stops, official ballot drop boxes are a secure and convenient way for voters to return their ballot. Drop boxes are emptied at least once a day during the voting period, and King County Elections is adding additional pick-ups to minimize the time that ballots spend in the boxes.
Every official ballot drop box in King County will have security on Election Day, in addition to being staffed by Elections staff.
“We are working with our deputies on patrol to ensure they are aware of all King County drop box locations. We will respond appropriately to any call of service where the right to drop off a ballot safely and securely is interfered with in anyway,” stated Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall.
“Assaults on democracy will not be tolerated here in King County. Any attempt to intimidate or discourage voters from making their voices heard will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Leesa Manion, King County Prosecuting Attorney.
King County Elections staff have been trained to call 911 in the event of anything suspicious, and local law enforcement partners are briefed and ready to respond when needed. In addition, King County Elections and local law enforcement are in close coordination with federal partners such as the FBI and CISA.
“The U.S. Attorney's Offices and the FBI want to assure our communities that we are working closely and expeditiously together to investigate the two incendiary fires at the ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and the one in Portland, Oregon, and will work to hold whoever is responsible fully accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman and Greg Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office.
No matter how they return their ballot, voters can and should track their ballot until it’s counted. Voters can sign up for King County’s ballot alerts to receive text and email alerts about where their ballot is in the process from mailed to counted. This is the best way to ensure that their ballot is received, signature verified, and ballot counted.
“These attacks on drop boxes are designed to scare you away from voting – don’t let them. It is more important than ever to stand up and speak out for what you believe in. This election is your opportunity to make your voice heard and we here in King County will do everything we can to ensure your safety while doing so,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci.
King County Elections is open for in-person service this week in Renton, and will open six off-site Vote Center locations this Saturday, November 2. If voters would like to come in person, KCE strongly recommends coming on Saturday. Vote Centers will also be open on Monday, November 4 until 6 p.m. and Election Day, November 5 until 8 p.m.
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For more information, contact:
King County Elections: Halei Watkins, 206-477-4111
King County Sheriff’s Office: Brandyn Hull, 206-263-2560
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office: Casey McNerthney, 206-247-2446
FBI – Seattle: 206-262-2390
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