burned vote-by-mail – Two days before Election Day, Los Angeles County election officials reported two cases of possible election interference: a ballot box near the Civic Center in Downtown L.A. found with a small number of vote-by-mail ballots burned, and vandalism at a voting ce
Sunday morning began like any other in Downtown Los Angeles—until investigators looked inside a ballot drop box near the Civic Center and found a small number of vote-by-mail ballots with fire damage.
The discovery came just two days before Election Day. The L.A. County Registrar and County Clerk reported the incident as one of two cases of possible election interference this weekend, and the Los Angeles Police Department has been notified.
A separate incident was also flagged on Sunday morning: election officials spotted vandalism at a voting center located at Cesar E. Chavez Park. Officials said voting operations were not disrupted.
Video captured by AIR7 shows the ballot box where the burned ballots were found. Election officials said the damage was inside the drop box, and that they filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department after discovering the fire-damaged ballots.
Investigators are now looking into both cases and working to identify any voters who may have been affected. Voters whose ballots may have been impacted by the fire will be contacted directly and provided information about available options, including replacement ballots if necessary.
“Voting is a fundamental right. and Los Angeles County remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently. ” Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said. “Any attempt to vandalize election facilities, damage voting materials, or interfere with the voting process is unacceptable. We take these incidents seriously and will continue working with election officials and law enforcement partners to protect voters and uphold the integrity of our elections.”.
The county also reminded residents that it is against the law to tamper with ballots, election materials, voting equipment or election facilities.
For anyone who sees suspicious activity involving election materials, election facilities or voting operations, voters are encouraged to report it to the RR/CC at (800) 815-2666, option 2.
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