Republican Lawmaker Proposes New Security Camera Program After Ballot Boxes Set on Fire

Following a shocking incident in October where two Clark County ballot boxes were set on fire, a Republican state lawmaker has taken action to prevent future election tampering. On Tuesday, Sen. Jeff Wilson, R-Longview, introduced two bills aimed at enhancing the security of ballot boxes ahead of elections.

The first fire occurred on October 8, when an “improvised incendiary device” was used to set fire to a Clark County ballot box, destroying the ballots inside. Less than three weeks later, on October 28, another ballot box in Clark County, as well as one in Portland, Oregon, were targeted in a similar attack, sparking fears of widespread election interference.

“We shouldn’t take any of this lightly, tampering, meddling, vandalism. No,” Wilson told The Center Square. “We need to send a strong message of consequence and also give them the warning that we are paying attention.”

In response to these disturbing acts, Wilson filed Senate Bill 5010, which would create a grant program to fund the installation of security cameras around ballot boxes. The bill aims to allow county auditors and election officials to purchase and install cameras to monitor these crucial voting locations.

Though the bill is brief—less than half a page—its implications could be significant in preventing future attacks on the election process. However, the bill does not specify how the grant program would be funded, raising concerns over the potential cost. Wilson indicated that funding would come from existing state revenue, although the exact financial impact will be addressed later when working with the secretary of state.

“We shouldn’t burden the voters or the taxpayers with something that maybe we should have done sooner,” Wilson said. “Hindsight is nothing to criticize, but now that we have this problem in front of us, what are we waiting for?”

While Senate Bill 5010 focuses on security camera funding, the second bill, Senate Bill 5011, would mandate additional labeling on ballot boxes. The new labels would read “Property of [County Name]” and include a warning that tampering with the drop box could violate election laws. The aim is to reinforce the message that election tampering is a serious crime, with severe consequences.

Both bills are positioned as bipartisan efforts, with Wilson already engaging with potential sponsors across party lines. He emphasized that protecting the integrity of elections is not a partisan issue, stating, “This is preserving the process, and the process has nothing to do with your party affiliation.”

Wilson also pointed out that with a state budget exceeding $70 billion, a small portion of that spending should be directed toward election security. He argued that it is critical to invest in protective measures like cameras and fire retardant systems to ensure voters’ rights are upheld.

While the bills are still in the early stages, they have already sparked a significant conversation about the need for greater election security. Wilson’s proposal is a direct response to the recent ballot box attacks, and if passed, it could serve as a proactive measure to safeguard elections from future threats.