A shocking scene unfolded at Fisher’s Landing Transit Center in Vancouver, Washington, early Monday when a ballot drop-off box began smoking around 6 a.m.

In photos shared by local media, dense gray smoke can be seen pouring out of the ballot box near Southeast 162nd Avenue.

This incident quickly drew police attention, and officers roped off the area while first responders arrived to manage the situation, as reported by The Mirror.

Image Credit: © Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Appleton's drop box for absentee ballots is located at 100 N. Appleton St. It will open after absentee ballots are mailed.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

MORE NEWS: Passenger Bites Officer After Refusing to Pay for Baggage in Chaotic Plane Scuffle [WATCH]

Authorities reportedly removed several burning ballots from the drop-off box around 6:30 a.m., laying them on the ground as they continued to smolder.

Clark County Auditor Greg Kimsey responded to the incident, announcing an immediate change in ballot retrieval practices to prevent future risks.

“We’re going to change our retrieval process so ballots are collected in the evening,” Kimsey stated, explaining that this will reduce the number of ballots left in boxes overnight.

FREE Gun Law Map: Laws Don't Pause During Social Unrest

Following ongoing debates over border security and immigration policy in 2026, do you support stricter enforcement measures?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from RVM News, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

This incident wasn’t isolated.

A similar fire had been reported earlier in Portland, Oregon, involving another ballot box.

Around 3:30 a.m., an incendiary device reportedly sparked a fire in a ballot box on the 1000 block of Southeast Morrison Street, Portland.

Image Credit: © Detroit Free Press via Imagn Images
Oct 8, 2024; West Bloomfield, MI, USA; Organized election ballots taken from the ballot drop box on different days sit inside the West Bloomfield Township offices on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Eric Seals/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Close

MORE NEWS: Fetterman’s Break from the Left Shows How Far Democrats Have Fallen Off the Cliff

Security staff managed to contain the fire before firefighters arrived. Investigators found evidence of an incendiary device, though Portland Police are still examining the circumstances and have not yet commented on the status of ballots affected.

Detective Meredith Hopper with the Portland Police Department has requested anyone with information on the fire contact her or reach out to the PF&R Fire Investigation Unit’s tip line, referencing case number 24-276181.

Last Friday, Trump warned on his social media platform Truth Social that his team would monitor the upcoming 2024 election closely, vowing legal action against any instances of election misconduct.

Trump posted, “I, together with many Attorneys and Legal Scholars, am watching the Sanctity of the 2024 Presidential Election very closely... when I win, those that CHEATED will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Law.”

Local officials in Washington and Oregon are urging caution and vigilance around ballot boxes while investigations continue. No injuries were reported in either incident, and officials are taking precautions to ensure that ballot security remains intact in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.