Hundreds of US ballots destroyed after drop boxes targeted by fire

Police believe incidents in the US states of Oregon and Washington are linked.

Hundreds of United States election ballots have been ruined after two drop boxes were destroyed – one in Oregon and one in Washington state – in incidents that authorities believe are linked.

One of the boxes was targeted in Portland, Oregon in the early hours of Monday, and a few hours later, another was targeted in Vancouver, Washington.

Incendiary devices were attached to the outside of the boxes and the FBI has been called to help with the case.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Greg Kimsey, the elected auditor in Clark County, Washington, which includes Vancouver.

“It’s a direct attack on democracy,” Kimsey told reporters.