The Lewis County Auditor’s office is considering increasing security around ballot drop boxes before the general election.

In a phone call Tuesday, Chief Deputy Auditor Tom Stanton said that while it’s unlikely law enforcement could provide additional security at every drop box in the county, “more eyes on the drop boxes could be good.”

The news comes after incendiary devices were dropped into two ballot drop boxes in Vancouver and Portland on Monday, potentially destroying hundreds of ballots. According to the Washington Secretary of State, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the police departments of Portland and Vancouver are investigating the incident.

“We take the safety of our election workers seriously and will not tolerate threats or acts of violence that seek to undermine the democratic process,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said Monday. “I strongly denounce any acts of terror that aim to disrupt lawful and fair elections in Washington state. Despite this incident, I have complete confidence in our county elections official’s ability to keep Washington’s elections safe and secure for all voters.”

On Tuesday, Stanton noted that the county’s ballot boxes were equipped with fire suppression systems in 2020.

In a release Tuesday, the Thurston County Auditor’s Office noted that the county’s ballot boxes are built with quarter-inch steel and are anchored to the ground, which makes them “incredibly durable and resistant to tampering.”

Like Lewis County, Thurston County’s drop boxes are equipped with fire suppression devices.

On election night, ballot collection teams in Thurston County will be followed by Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies “to provide added security.”

Stanton encouraged registered voters to return their ballots “as soon as possible.”

To find the ballot drop box nearest you, visit https://elections.lewiscountywa.gov.   

For questions about the election, visit the Lewis County Auditor’s Office at 351 NW North St., Chehalis, or call 360-740-1164.