LA County officials investigate ballot fire, voting center vandalism

Los Angeles County election officials are investigating two possible election interference incidents — including fire damage inside a ballot drop box and vandalism at a voting center — discovered Sunday morning, two days before Election Day.

The back-to-back incidents raise statewide concerns about election security as California voters prepare to cast ballots Tuesday. Tampering with voting materials and damaging election facilities are crimes under California law.

A small number of vote-by-mail ballots with fire damage were found inside a drop box near the Civic Center in Downtown Los Angeles on Sunday morning, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. Investigators have not announced any suspects or a motive.

In a separate incident the same morning, vandalism was reported at a vote center at Cesar E. Chavez Park. County officials said voting operations at the site were not disrupted.

Election officials are working to identify voters whose ballots may have been damaged. Those affected will be contacted and offered replacement ballots if necessary, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

"Voting is a fundamental right, and Los Angeles County remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently. Any attempt to vandalize election facilities, damage voting materials, or interfere with the voting process is unacceptable," said Hilda L. Solis, Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, in an official statement cited by ABC7 Los Angeles.

Tampering with ballots, election materials, voting equipment or election facilities is illegal under state law. Voters who witness suspicious activity near polling locations or drop boxes can report it by calling (800) 815-2666, option 2.

Election Day falls Tuesday, June 3, 2026. No arrests had been announced in connection with either incident as of Sunday, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.