Clark County warns voters of 'ballot harvesting' sites with fake drop boxes

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Clark County officials are warning the public that unofficial ballot box sites have popped up around town to prevent votes from being counted in the area.

The act of creating fake ballot boxes and encouraging voters to take their ballots there is called “ballot harvesting,” and the Clark County Elections Office said voters should “not give their ballots to anyone they don’t know and trust.”

“Ballot harvesting is not illegal in Washington State, and therefore it is not illegal for a person or group to make available a box for voters to place their ballots in,” officials said.

Those looking for an official drop box with staff members nearby can visit the Clark County Elections Office at 1408 Franklin St. in Vancouver. The office is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Election Day, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

This issue comes after two ballot boxes were set on fire in Portland and Vancouver, destroying nearly 500 ballots, on Monday. Police are still searching for the suspect, who remains at large as of Thursday afternoon.

No information has been shared regarding the person or persons involved in the creation of the recent fake ballot boxes.

Check the Clark County Election website for the complete list of every official ballot drop box.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.