Election interference scandal uncovered in 2 California hubs

An election interference scandal has already rocked California as a voting site was vandalized and burned mail-in ballots were found in a drop box.

The incidents, which officials described as isolated but serious, have sparked an investigation and renewed warnings that any attempt to interfere with the voting process will carry criminal penalties.

Election workers discovered vandalism Sunday morning at a vote center located at Cesar E. Chavez Park in Long Beach, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office.

Officials said staff responded immediately and voting operations continued without interruption.

In a separate incident, county election workers conducting routine ballot collection identified a small number of Vote by Mail ballots that appeared to have suffered fire-related damage inside a drop box at the Department of Public Social Services-Civic Center in downtown Los Angeles.

Election officials said preliminary information suggests the damage was limited in scope and occurred during a relatively short window between a scheduled ballot pickup and the following morning’s collection.

The Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office has filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department and said it will cooperate fully with investigators seeking to determine how the damage occurred.

Officials are also reviewing both incidents to determine whether any voters were affected.

“Our responsibility is to protect voters and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot,” said Dean Logan, Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.

“Any attempt to interfere with voting or election operations is taken seriously. We will continue working closely with law enforcement and other partners to safeguard the voting process and ensure voters can participate with confidence.”

County officials said voters whose ballots may have been burned will be contacted directly and informed of their options, including obtaining replacement ballots if necessary.

The incidents prompted a broader response from county leaders, who emphasized that attacks on election facilities, voting equipment or ballots will not be tolerated.

“Voting is a fundamental right, and Los Angeles County remains committed to ensuring every eligible voter can cast a ballot safely and confidently,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.

“Any attempt to vandalize election facilities, damage voting materials, or interfere with the voting process is unacceptable.

“We take these incidents seriously and will continue working with election officials and law enforcement partners to protect voters and uphold the integrity of our elections.”

The county also reminded residents that state and federal laws impose criminal penalties on individuals who intentionally tamper with ballots, election materials, voting equipment or election facilities.

Officials urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving election operations, ballot drop boxes, voting locations or election materials as investigators continue examining both incidents.

They encouraged voters to report any suspicious activity to the County Registrar-Recorder’s Office by calling (800) 815-2666.

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