Approximately 475 damaged ballots were recovered from a ballot box that was set on fire in Vancouver, Washington, early Monday. Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey stated that workers will begin checking the damaged ballots for voter information to issue replacements.

The incident, which also involved damage to three ballots in Portland, has been condemned by officials as an attack on democracy ahead of the upcoming Election Day.

Investigations by federal, state, and local agencies are ongoing, with surveillance footage showing a Volvo near the scene. No arrests have been made yet, the Associated Press has reported.

In response to the incidents, officials in several counties are increasing the frequency of ballot collection to prevent similar attacks.

Written by B.C. Begley