The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to downtown Vancouver early Tuesday morning after a suspicious device was found near the ballot drop box on Esther Street, according to Vancouver police.
Police initially responded about 4 a.m. to a report of a possible arson near Esther and 13th streets, according to a statement. A caller reported spotting smoke near the ballot drop box.
Police and fire personnel found a suspicious device nearby, according to Vancouver police.
The Metro Explosive Disposal Unit removed the device. No one was injured, and the ballot drop box was not damaged. Because of the device’s proximity to several federal buildings, ATF also responded. The drop box is also just blocks from the Clark County Courthouse and elections office, among other local government buildings.
While military and overseas ballots were mailed Sept. 20, most Clark County residents’ ballots won’t go in the mail until Oct. 16.
Vancouver police arson investigators are continuing to investigate.
