Early Thursday morning, a United States Postal Service (USPS) mailbox in central Phoenix was set ablaze, damaging approximately 20 ballots just days before the upcoming election.
The incident occurred at the mail drop box located at 7th Avenue and Indian School Road.
Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports of the fire. According to the Phoenix Fire Department, an unidentified individual ignited a fire inside the blue drive-up collection mailbox at 3905 North 7th Avenue.
“Firefighters forced the box open and extinguished the fire,” the department stated. Alongside the damaged electoral ballots, additional miscellaneous mail was also affected.
The Postal Inspector has taken possession of the damaged ballots and mail. “The Phoenix Fire Investigations Task Force, which includes Phoenix Police detectives and Phoenix Fire investigators, are working with US Postal Inspectors,” the department added.
By Thursday afternoon, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego announced that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, thanking authorities for their prompt action. While the motive remains unclear, it is not yet known if the act was election-related.
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer urged voters who may have used that mailbox recently to verify the status of their ballots. “We encourage all voters who used that mailbox in the last 36 hours to check the status of their ballots at BeBallotReady.Vote,” Richer advised.
“Successful delivery is usually reflected on that website within 72 hours. Voters should be aware that tomorrow, October 25, is the last day to request a replacement ballot. If a voter believes they were impacted by this incident, they can learn more about how to make that request at Request.Maricopa.Vote.“
The incident comes at a critical time as Arizona remains a hotly contested swing state.
Former President Donald Trump held a rally Thursday in Tempe, energizing supporters ahead of the election. Political figures from both parties have been visiting Arizona in recent days as the election approaches.
Voters are encouraged to remain vigilant and ensure their ballots are received and counted.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have increased security measures to protect the integrity of the election process.