Voters in Oregon and Washington face unexpected hurdles as mail-in ballots go missing and ballot drop boxes come under attack, threatening the integrity of the upcoming election.
At a Glance
- Voters in Coos County, Oregon, and Whitman County, Washington, haven’t received mail-in ballots less than a week before the election
- Up to 300 ballots are missing in Whitman County, with an unknown number missing in Coos County
- Postal Service officials claim nearly 98% of ballots were returned within three days during the 2020 presidential election
- Incendiary devices destroyed hundreds of ballots at drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington
- Any ballot postmarked by Nov. 5 will be counted, even if received up to seven days later
Mail-In Ballot Delays Raise Concerns
As Election Day approaches, voters in select counties of Oregon and Washington are facing an unexpected challenge: their mail-in ballots haven’t arrived. In Coos County, Oregon, and Whitman County, Washington, an undetermined number of voters find themselves without the means to cast their votes, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement and reduced voter turnout.
Coos County Clerk Julie Brecke attributed the missing ballots to “an error at USPS.” The exact number of affected voters in Coos County, which has approximately 50,000 active voters, remains unclear. In Whitman County, the situation is more defined, with up to 300 ballots reported missing in the community of Garfield, and additional reports of missing ballots outside the town.
With the November general election one week away, officials in Coos County are responding to a delay in ballots reaching county householdshttps://t.co/ERwpcQfXq0
— KATU News (@KATUNews) October 30, 2024
Postal Service Response and Election Integrity
U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has assured the public that the Postal Service is prepared for mail-in ballots, despite past issues during the primary season. DeJoy stated, “We engage in heroic efforts intended to beat the clock,” emphasizing the commitment to timely ballot delivery.
“We engage in heroic efforts intended to beat the clock” – U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
Postal Service officials claim that during the 2020 presidential election, nearly 98% of ballots were returned within three days, and 99.9% within seven days. However, the current situation has prompted investigations into the missing ballots, with replacement ballots being issued to affected voters.
Security Threats to Ballot Drop Boxes
Compounding the mail-in ballot issues, a series of alarming incidents have targeted ballot drop boxes in both states. Incendiary devices were set off at drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington, resulting in the destruction of hundreds of ballots. These acts of violence have heightened security concerns and threaten to undermine voter confidence in the election process.
The Oregon state Senate Republican Caucus has called for immediate action, urging officials “to immediately resolve this unacceptable delay and ensure every voter receives their ballot without further interference.” This bipartisan concern underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for swift, decisive action to protect the integrity of the election.
Voter Guidance and Deadlines
Despite these challenges, election officials are working to ensure all eligible voters can participate. Voters in Coos County, Oregon, who haven’t received their ballots are encouraged to contact the county clerk’s office for replacements. It’s crucial for voters to be aware that any ballot postmarked by November 5 will be counted, even if received up to seven days later.
“I don’t know where they went after that” – Whitman County Auditor Sandy Jamison
As election day draws near, the situation in Oregon and Washington serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing mail-in voting systems. The combined threats of logistical errors and security breaches highlight the need for vigilance, adaptability, and robust safeguards to ensure the democratic process remains intact and accessible to all eligible voters.
