Just days before Los Angeles voters head to the polls, county election officials are investigating two separate incidents that have raised concerns about election security and potential interference with the voting process.
According to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, investigators are examining reports involving damaged vote-by-mail ballots discovered inside a ballot drop box and vandalism at a local voting center. Both incidents occurred only two days before Election Day, prompting immediate responses from election officials and law enforcement agencies.
The first incident involved a ballot drop box located near the Civic Center in downtown Los Angeles. Authorities said election workers discovered a small number of vote-by-mail ballots that appeared to have suffered fire damage. Video captured by AIR7 reportedly showed the location of the drop box where the damaged ballots were found.
County officials confirmed that a report was filed with the Los Angeles Police Department and that an investigation is underway to determine exactly what occurred. At this stage, authorities have not publicly identified any suspects or announced whether the fire damage was intentional.
Election officials emphasized that they are working to identify any voters whose ballots may have been affected. Those individuals will be contacted directly and provided with information about available options, including obtaining replacement ballots if necessary.
In a separate incident, county officials reported vandalism at a vote center located at Cesar E. Chavez Park. The damage was discovered early Sunday morning. While details regarding the nature of the vandalism have not been fully disclosed, officials stated that voting operations at the location were not interrupted and voters continued to have access to election services.
The incidents have renewed attention on election security measures throughout Los Angeles County as officials work to maintain public confidence in the voting process.
Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda Solis condemned any efforts to interfere with elections, stressing the importance of protecting voters and preserving confidence in the democratic process.
“Voting is a fundamental right, and Los Angeles County remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently,” Solis said in a statement.
She added that attempts to vandalize election facilities, damage ballots, or disrupt voting operations would not be tolerated and pledged continued cooperation between election officials and law enforcement agencies.
County officials also reminded residents that tampering with ballots, election materials, voting equipment, or election facilities is against the law.
As investigators continue examining both incidents, election officials are encouraging voters to remain engaged in the process and report any suspicious activity. With Election Day approaching, authorities say protecting the integrity of the vote remains a top priority while ensuring every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot and have it counted.
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