Ballots destroyed in ballot box fires in Oregon and Washington

The FBI is investigating ballot box fires in the Pacific Northwest.

Investigators believe the fires in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, which destroyed hundreds of ballots, may be linked. Authorities say explosive devices were used in both incidents. There was no arrest.

People who used ballot boxes over the weekend are encouraged to contact their local election officials to find out if their ballot was one of those destroyed. If their ballot is found to be affected, they can request a new one.

To prevent future attacks on ballot boxes, officials in Vancouver have hired more staff to monitor the ballot boxes.

Federal authorities have warned that ballot boxes could become a target for violent extremists at home in this election. Homeland Security issued a bulletin in mid-September expressing concern that the boxes were being targeted for destruction after tracking chatter on social media.