California is grappling with a scandal involving election interference after a voting site was vandalized and a collection of mail-in ballots was discovered burned inside a drop box.
The incidents, though described by officials as isolated, have prompted an investigation and reinforced the message that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be met with legal consequences.
On Sunday morning, election workers at a vote center in Cesar E. Chavez Park, Long Beach, uncovered evidence of vandalism, as reported by the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office.
Authorities ensured a swift response, allowing voting to proceed without disruption.
In a separate occurrence, county election workers conducting routine ballot collections found a small number of Vote by Mail ballots bearing fire damage in a drop box at the Department of Public Social Services-Civic Center, located in downtown Los Angeles.
Officials stated that initial assessments indicated the damage was limited and occurred during a brief period between scheduled ballot pickups.
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department and said it will cooperate fully with investigators seeking to determine how the damage occurred.
Officials are also reviewing both incidents to determine whether any voters were affected.
“Our responsibility is to protect voters and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot,” said Dean Logan, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
“Any attempt to interfere with voting or election operations is taken seriously. We will continue working closely with law enforcement and other partners to safeguard the voting process and ensure voters can participate with confidence.”
County officials said voters whose ballots may have been burned will be contacted directly and informed of their options, including obtaining replacement ballots if necessary.
The incidents prompted a broader response from county leaders, who emphasized that attacks on election facilities, voting equipment or ballots will not be tolerated.
“Voting is a fundamental right, and Los Angeles County remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.
“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 state and federal laws impose criminal penalties on individuals who intentionally tamper with ballots, election materials, voting equipment or election facilities.
Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving election operations, ballot drop boxes, voting locations or election materials as investigators continue examining both incidents.
They encouraged voters to report any suspicious activity to the County Registrar-Recorder’s Office by calling (800) 815-2666.
