Statement: Los Angeles County Ballot Drop Box Fire

The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections (CSSE) is aware of reports regarding a fire involving a ballot drop box in Los Angeles County that allegedly damaged mail ballots and prompted an ongoing investigation by local authorities.

While many facts surrounding this incident remain unknown, it serves as an important reminder that election officials and law enforcement must continue preparing for an evolving threat environment surrounding election administration and voting infrastructure.

We commend Los Angeles County election officials, law enforcement agencies, and other public safety partners for their swift response. Their efforts to quickly inform the public, investigate the incident, assess the scope of the damage, and identify and assist potentially affected voters reflect the type of coordinated response that helps maintain confidence in the electoral process during unexpected events.

Incidents involving ballot drop boxes remain rare, but they are not unprecedented. During the 2024 election cycle, election officials and law enforcement agencies in the Pacific Northwest responded to multiple ballot drop box fires and other acts of vandalism targeting election infrastructure. Those incidents underscored the importance of advance planning, clear communication, and strong partnerships between election offices and public safety agencies. The lessons learned from those events continue to inform election security planning across the country.

As jurisdictions continue preparing for the 2026 election cycle, this incident serves as another reminder of why proactive coordination matters. Election officials and law enforcement leaders should review plans related to ballot drop boxes, election facilities, continuity of operations, evidence preservation, voter notification procedures, and public communications. These conversations are most effective when they occur well before Election Day.

The Committee for Safe and Secure Elections stands ready to assist all counties, cities, and election jurisdictions with technical assistance and training as these preparations take place. 

The Committee will continue monitoring developments related to this incident and remain grateful to the election officials, law enforcement officers, first responders, and public servants who work every day to ensure that elections remain safe, secure, and accessible for all voters.