Election Interference Scandal Uncovered in Two California Hubs
California authorities are investigating vandalism at a Long Beach voting center and burned ballots found in a downtown Los Angeles drop box over the weekend.
The incidents occurred over the weekend and have prompted a criminal investigation, according to New York Post. Officials described both cases as isolated but serious breaches that could carry criminal penalties under state and federal law.
Election workers arrived Sunday morning to discover vandalism at a vote center situated at Cesar E. Chavez Park in Long Beach, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office confirmed. Staff responded immediately to the damage and voting operations continued without disruption.
In a second incident, county election personnel conducting routine ballot collection identified multiple Vote by Mail ballots that had sustained fire-related damage inside a drop box located at the Department of Public Social Services-Civic Center facility in downtown Los Angeles.
According to officials, preliminary findings indicate the damage was contained and occurred within a narrow timeframe between a scheduled ballot pickup and the next morning’s collection round.
The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has filed an official report with the Los Angeles Police Department and pledged full cooperation with investigators working to establish how the damage occurred.
Dean Logan, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, emphasized the severity of the situation. Our responsibility is to protect voters and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot, Logan stated, adding that any attempt to interfere with voting or election operations will be taken seriously.
County officials said they are reviewing both incidents to identify whether any voters were impacted. Those whose ballots may have been burned will be contacted directly and provided with options, including replacement ballots if necessary.
Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, issued a stern warning that attacks on election facilities, voting equipment or ballots will not be tolerated in Los Angeles County.
Solis reaffirmed the county’s commitment to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently, calling any attempt to vandalize election facilities or interfere with the voting process unacceptable.
County authorities reminded residents that both state and federal statutes impose criminal penalties on individuals who intentionally tamper with ballots, election materials, voting equipment or election facilities.
Officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving election operations, ballot drop boxes, voting locations or election materials. Voters can report concerns to the County Registrar-Recorder’s Office at (800) 815-2666.
With information from New York Post
