Hundreds of Ballots Burned in Thermite Attacks on Drop Boxes in Washington and Oregon — FBI Investigates

An unidentified suspect uses incendiary devices made of thermite — a compound that burns at 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit — to set fire to ballot drop boxes in Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon, one week before Election Day. Hundreds of ballots are damaged or destroyed in the Vancouver box. A fire suppression system in the Portland box prevents most damage. The FBI later reveals the devices were welded from scrap metal with thermite inside and warns the suspect may harm themselves or others if they continue experimenting with the volatile compound. The suspect is described as a white man, 30-40, balding or with very short hair. An earlier suspicious device was found near the Vancouver drop box on October 8. The FBI offers a $25,000 reward. Washington State introduces legislation requiring tampering warnings on drop boxes. Similar ballot box fire incidents are reported in Los Angeles in June 2026 during the primary election, and the LA County Registrar reports the incidents as possible election interference.