An investigation is underway after at least two ballot boxes were set on fire Monday morning in Oregon and Washington state.

Local authorities said hundreds of ballots were affected.

Ballot boxes on set on fire

Police responded to a call about a fire in Portland about 3:30 a.m. Monday, the Portland Police Bureau said in a statement. An “incendiary device” was placed inside the box and security personnel extinguished the fire, officials said.

A second ballot box minutes away from the first was set on fire early Monday morning at a bus station in nearby Vancouver, Washington, according to the Vancouver Police Department. When officers arrived, they found a “suspicious device” next to the box, which was smoking and on fire, police said.

The box in Vancouver is in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, where one of the most competitive races in the country is taking place.

Other locations

Other fires affecting ballots have been recently reported across the country.

Last week, a mailbox outside a Phoenix post office was set on fire, damaging an unknown number of ballots. A 35-year-old man was charged with arson in that incident. The Phoenix Police Department said he told them it was not politically motivated.

Luring Lady, a conservative Black woman who was once one of Donald Trump’s most vocal supporters, has made a public declaration that she will no longer vote for the former president, calling him “unhinged” and a “liar.”

Black conservative woman blogger Luring Lady shares thoughts

Known for her outspoken views on conservative policies, Luring Lady has shared her deeply personal and reflective blog post, shedding light on her disillusionment with Trump.

Her Instagram handle, @Luring_Lady, is now a hub for her evolving political discussions.

In her online blog, Luring Lady reflects on her past loyalty to Trump, describing how she alienated friends and family due to her firm support for his agenda.

She writes, “I lost friends, family, and respect from people because I was a proud MAGA supporter. Now, it’s all so clear.”

What drove her away

While she still aligns with some of Trump’s policies, such as immigration and the “America First” approach, Luring Lady explains that “Trump’s erratic behavior—his refusal to peacefully transfer power, his incitement of violence after the 2020 election, and his divisive rhetoric”—ultimately drove her away. A particularly jarring moment was Trump’s comment about immigrants “taking Black jobs,” which Luring Lady found to be an exploitative manipulation of systemic racism.

Her blog post also critiques Trump’s spreading of misinformation, including a doctored image of Kamala Harris with P. Diddy and his bizarre claim about immigrants “eating pets.”

“I can’t believe I supported him for as long as I did,” Luring Lady writes. “His erratic behavior, constant lying, and willingness to incite violence show he’s unfit to lead. I won’t make excuses for him anymore.”

Black conservatives changing course

Luring Lady’s story adds to the growing chorus of Black conservatives who are reconsidering their support for Trump. Media outlets are encouraged to reach out for interviews and publish her story as she continues to use her platform to discuss political and social issues.

New data from a recent survey conducted by Match Group’ BLK on Black Americans‘ shows perspectives regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential bid.

BLK Dating App Kamala Harris survey

The survey reveals insightful opinions on America’s readiness for a female and a Black female president, as well as voter sentiment towards Harris’ candidacy.

Key Findings:

• 2 out of 3 Black Americans feel America is ready for its first female President: A significant 67.4% of Black Americans believe the country is ready for its first female president, reflecting growing acceptance of women’s leadership roles.
• 64% of Black Americans feel America is ready for its First Black Female President: This highlights positive perceptions of racial progress in politics, bolstered by movements for racial justice and equity.
• 65% of Black Americans Support Harris’ Presidential Bid: Kamala Harris’ role as Vice President and her advocacy on issues impacting the Black community resonate strongly, with a robust 65% showing support for her potential presidential bid.
• 52% of Black Singles Are Now More Likely to Vote with Harris’ Nomination: Her nomination positively influences voter turnout intentions, particularly among Black singles, with 52% more likely to vote.
• 65% of Black Women Are Now More Likely to Vote with Harris’ Nomination: Harris’ nomination resonates strongly with Black women, with 65% more likely to vote now that she has entered the race.
• 54% of Black Voters Think Harris’ Nomination Will Help the Democratic Party: More than half of Black voters believe her nomination will strengthen the Democratic Party’s chances in the 2024 election.
• 59% of BLK Users Feel Harris’ Nomination Secures the Black Vote: A significant 59% of BLK users feel her nomination is enough to secure the Black vote for the Democratic Party.

These findings offer an interesting glimpse into the current political climate and the influential role Kamala Harris plays within the Black community.

Take a look at the full survey on BLK’s website.