Editorial: Despite recent attacks on ballot drop boxes, vote by mail still secure

In 2020, then-President Donald Trump claimed that there was hanky-panky going on in the counting of ballots. In 2022, some Washington Republicans reignited that claim, deploying ballot watchers at a few drop boxes.

So when incidents of vandalism to ballot drop boxes occurred in Vancouver, Washington, and Portland recently, our long-trusted vote-by-mail system was under attack again. Even the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings to states to be vigilant against those who want to disrupt the democratic process.

A fire was set at one drop box and incendiary devices were placed in two other boxes in Portland and Vancouver that damaged a few ballots.

Voters in King County can rest assured that their ballots are safe and secure.

All drop boxes in Washington aren't made equally. Each county is responsible for purchasing its own drop boxes.

The 85 boxes in King County are made with quarter-inch-thick steel and have fire-suppression systems that are replaced routinely. In addition, the drop slot is only 1/4 -inch thick, making it impossible to deposit anything like an incendiary device inside. In addition, county Elections Director Julie Wise said the boxes are emptied frequently, and law enforcement make rounds to them.

"I really believe we have some of the most secure drop boxes here in King County and I encourage people to utilize them," said Wise.

Aside from the drop boxes, King County voters have the option of mailing their ballots or voting at one of the seven vote centers that also offer voter registration, even on Election Day.

As of Wednesday, 500,000 King County residents had voted, out of the 1,450,000 registered voters, Wise said. By Tuesday she expects voter participation in King County to be at 83%, a drop from the 2020 presidential election when 86.5% of registered voters turned out. Statewide, just over 1.9 million had voted as of Wednesday.

Besides relying on the county and law enforcement to protect ballots, there are things voters can do to protect their ballot. One, vote early to allow time to address any irregularities such as signature verification. Include contact information for election officials to use if necessary. Voters can also track their ballots online at voter.votewa.gov.

Voters have until 8 p.m. Tuesday to drop off their ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 5.