Signs in support of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign were defaced in the Sherwood neighborhood Tuesday, troubling neighbors already rattled by arson attacks on ballot boxes the day prior in east Vancouver.
About five Trump signs were spray painted with black Xs the day after arson attacks on ballot boxes in Vancouver and Portland made international headlines.
Sherwood resident William Lipsey was angry when he saw his lawn sign was defaced Tuesday morning, he said.
“I thought, ‘What’s going on with society where we can’t even express our opinions without debasing or destroying property?’” he said.
Chris O’Sullivan, who also lives in the neighborhood but did not have a Trump sign in his yard, said he’s upset on behalf of his neighbors. The block is a mix of people on the left and right, he said.
“Everyone has a right to their opinion,” he said. “I take this very seriously. We need to respect each other, and we need to respect each other’s opinions whether we agree with them or not.”
Tensions have heightened in Clark County since news broke Monday morning that someone had inserted an incendiary device into ballot boxes in Southeast Portland and the Fisher’s Landing area of Vancouver. Law enforcement responded to a third ballot box in downtown Vancouver smoking earlier this month.
Clark County elections staff weren’t able to save all the ballots from the Fisher’s Landing ballot box. Six were unidentifiable, and some may have turned to ash.
The Clark County Democrats released a statement Wednesday regarding the arson attacks.
“In these pivotal times, the Clark County Democrats stand for a practical and unifying path forward. Thus, our unity platform respects Democrats and non-Democrats alike,” the statement read.
The Clark County Republican Party also released a statement Wednesday, encouraging voters to deliver their ballot in person at the elections office or have someone deliver it for them.
“It’s important that we emphasize that you should not wait until the last minute to vote. Do it as soon as possible,” the statement said.
The Portland Police Bureau and the FBI on Wednesday released a suspect description for the ballot box incidents. Officials said they believe the person will continue the attacks.
