FBI, U.S. Attorney General Join Investigation After Ballot Drop Box Burns in Baldwin Park

Written by AARON CASTREJON
​CityWatch Editor

---

BALDWIN PARK – Arson is the likely cause after a ballot drop off box was found burning outside the Baldwin Park Library Sunday night.

Firefighters were dispatched to the call at 8 p.m. October 18, to 4181 Baldwin Park Blvd. Firefighters reportedly stuck a fire hose into the burning box to extinguish the flames and eventually used a chainsaw to cut the metal ballot receptacle open.

The Baldwin Park Police Department took possession of the damaged ballots. It is unclear how many ballots were destroyed or damaged.

Voters who used the drop box at the Baldwin Park Library can call the county registrar to verify their ballot was received: 562-503-2445, or email [email protected].

“The Registrar’s Office has acquired and is reviewing all material collected to determine the appropriate notifications to voters whose ballots may have been impacted and will ensure they can exercise their fundamental right to vote,” according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

Ballot pickup times will immediately increase at all other drop off boxes, according to the county registrar.

“The arson of an official ballot drop box by the Baldwin Park Library in the First District has all the signs of an attempt to disenfranchise voters and call into question and call into question the security of our election,” according to a statement released by the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

“Tampering, or attempts to tamper, with our democracy will not be tolerated. Rest assured, LA County residents’ voices will be heard when they vote, including in this election