Ballot Drop Box Attacks in 2024: Threats to Election Infrastructure

Executive Summary

In recent weeks, multiple ballot drop box attacks across the United States, including incidents in Arizona, Washington, and Oregon, have raised significant concerns about election security ahead of the 2024 elections. These attacks, involving arson and incendiary devices, have destroyed ballots, disrupted voting processes, and underscored the vulnerability of election infrastructure. Although similar incidents have occurred in prior elections—such as the 2020 Boston drop box arson attack—the recent wave highlights a disturbing trend and an escalating threat from violent extremists targeting election sites. Federal agencies, including DHS and the FBI, have increased collaboration with local election officials to bolster security and address vulnerabilities.

Analysis

Recent Attacks on Ballot Drop Boxes and Their Impact

The recent series of attacks began on October 24, 2024, when a drive-up ballot drop box in Phoenix, Arizona, was set ablaze. The incident, which damaged ballots and other mail, led to the arrest of a suspect who claimed the arson was unrelated to the election. This incident prompted Arizona’s Secretary of State to respond swiftly, ensuring voters of ballot security and implementing additional monitoring.

On October 28, two similar attacks occurred in Washington and Oregon. In Vancouver, Washington, an incendiary device was used to target a ballot drop box at a transit center, destroying hundreds of ballots and raising serious concerns about election integrity. The Clark County auditor responded by encouraging impacted voters to contact local election offices, while officials installed heightened security around key election sites. In Portland, Oregon, another incendiary device ignited a ballot drop box outside the Multnomah County Elections Division, prompting investigations into potential links between the two attacks.

Though separate from the recent wave, a previous attack on a ballot drop box in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk to election infrastructure. During the 2020 elections, an arsonist set fire to a drop box outside Boston’s Copley Square public library, damaging dozens of ballots and prompting enhanced security measures in Massachusetts. This incident reflects a pattern of attempts to intimidate voters and compromise election processes, raising the stakes for election security in the current climate.

DHS and FBI Warnings on Election Infrastructure Threats

The recent ballot box incidents align with a September 2024 DHS bulletin identifying election infrastructure as a high-risk target for domestic violent extremists. The bulletin warned of potential threats to ballot drop boxes, specifically describing them as “soft targets” due to their accessibility and minimal security measures. According to DHS, extremist groups and individuals have circulated online plans and tactics, including the use of incendiary devices, aimed at disrupting or disabling ballot drop boxes.

DHS has highlighted that such attacks could intimidate voters, delay ballot processing, and undermine public confidence in election integrity. Since early voting and absentee voting have expanded significantly post-2020, ballot drop boxes have become essential to voter accessibility. This growing dependence makes them a focal point for election security, as authorities work to mitigate risks associated with increasing threats to these sites. DHS and the FBI are coordinating with local election authorities to increase vigilance around ballot drop boxes, advising election offices on physical security and providing resources for monitoring.

Enhanced Security Measures and Community Response

Following these recent incidents, election officials in affected states have taken swift action to strengthen security measures around ballot drop boxes. In Washington and Oregon, authorities have deployed additional personnel to guard high-risk drop box locations and are installing surveillance cameras to deter potential attacks. The Washington and Oregon election offices have also provided voters with real-time ballot tracking systems, allowing those affected by the recent incidents to verify the status of their ballots and request replacements as needed.

In Arizona, the Secretary of State’s office is collaborating with local election administrators to ensure immediate collection of ballots from drop boxes and enhance surveillance to detect suspicious activities. In Massachusetts, officials implemented increased security after the 2020 incident, offering a model that other states are now replicating to protect election infrastructure.

The FBI and DHS continue investigating whether the recent incidents in Washington and Oregon are part of a coordinated effort. Federal and local law enforcement agencies are analyzing forensic evidence from the incendiary devices used in each attack and have emphasized the importance of vigilance among voters and election workers.

Broader Implications for Election Security and Public Confidence

The recent ballot box attacks highlight the critical need for resilient election infrastructure in the face of rising threats from violent extremism. These incidents reveal vulnerabilities within the current system and underscore the importance of consistent, nationwide security protocols to protect ballot drop boxes and other election assets. The ongoing attacks on these key sites have the potential to disrupt voting processes and erode public trust in the electoral system, especially as disinformation and targeted intimidation attempts increase.

To bolster election security, federal and state authorities are calling for additional resources to secure drop boxes, improve surveillance capabilities, and enhance collaboration with local law enforcement. Election officials across the country are encouraging voters to use ballot tracking services and to report suspicious activities around election sites. These proactive steps are essential to maintaining voter confidence and ensuring a smooth voting process.

Final Thoughts

The recent wave of ballot drop box attacks is a concerning escalation in threats to U.S. election infrastructure, echoing past incidents and emphasizing the need for robust security measures. By strengthening physical security, increasing surveillance, and enhancing voter awareness, election officials and law enforcement can help safeguard the democratic process against ongoing attempts to intimidate voters and undermine public confidence.