Politics Ballot boxes set on fire in the USA

SDA

29.10.2024 - 11:01

A voter casts his ballot for the 2024 US election in a newly installed ballot box. Photo: Jenny Kane/AP/dpa
A voter casts his ballot for the 2024 US election in a newly installed ballot box. Photo: Jenny Kane/AP/dpa
Keystone

Just over a week before the US presidential election, two ballot boxes have been set on fire in the northwest of the USA. In Portland (Oregon), the fire was started by an incendiary device, the police announced on Monday (local time).

In the neighboring city of Vancouver (Washington state), a burning ballot box was also reported at almost the same time, according to the city administration. An explosive device was also found there. According to the investigators, the incidents are connected. The FBI has also launched an investigation.

While most of the ballots in Portland were intact, hundreds were damaged in Vancouver, US media reported, citing election officials in both cities. The authorities urged voters to check the delivery status of their postal ballots and request replacements if necessary.

The presidential election in the USA takes place on November 5. According to polls, it is likely to be a neck-and-neck race between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump. Early voting has already begun in several states.

SDA