Connecticut ballot boxes get fire suppression system after ballots burned in other states
Cities and towns across the state installed the extinguishers on Friday. But Republicans say it’s a waste of time and money.
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Connecticut is taking an extreme step to protect your vote ahead of Election Day. The state is installing fire suppression systems at ballot boxes, just days after arsonists set fire to hundreds of ballots in Oregon and Washington state.
Election officials stressed that there is no known threat in Connecticut, leaving Republicans to call the move a waste of taxpayer dollars.
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
Outside Greenwich Town Hall, the fire department spent Friday installing a new fire suppression system inside three absentee ballot drop boxes. The devices were sent to every town in the state.
“In the event someone does try to set fire to one of them, the ballots will be protected,” said Greenwich Town Clerk Jacqueline Budkins.
A fire in Portland, Oregon, was extinguished quickly, thanks to the box’s suppression system and a nearby security guard, police said. Just three of the ballots inside were damaged. The ballot box in nearby Vancouver, Washington, also had a fire suppression system inside, but it failed to prevent hundreds of ballots from being scorched.
Here in Connecticut, Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas said she ordered the fire extinguishers out of an abundance of caution.
“Safeguarding our elections is a top priority,” Thomas said in a statement. “By staying ahead of potential threats, we can take a strong stand, ensuring a safe and secure process for all. Every voter should have confidence in casting their ballot no matter if it’s in person or at a drop box.”
“ONE OF THE DUMBEST THINGS I’VE EVER HEARD OF”
But not everyone is a fan. Connecticut Republican Party chair Ben Proto said the fire extinguishers are a waste of time and money.
“This may be one of the dumbest things I've ever heard of,” he said. “The election is literally in four days. We’ve been collecting absentee ballots since the beginning of October.”
Proto said the fires in other states, plus a ballot stuffing scandal in Bridgeport, prove that outdoor drop boxes aren’t secure and should be eliminated for good.
“We have no money for voter education on Early Voting. We have no money for voter education on the constitutional amendment. But, lo and behold, suddenly we found the money to buy fire suppression systems to put in an absentee ballot box three days before the election,” he said.
But Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Nancy DiNardo thinks it’s a smart idea, given how high tensions are before this election.
“I’d like to think that it won’t happen in Connecticut because we’re not a swing state, but I make no assumptions because you can never tell when somebody might be angry and want to protest,” she said.
The Secretary of the State's Office has not said how much the fire suppression systems cost or where the money is coming from.
OTHER SECURIY MEASURES
Communities across Connecticut are also taking other steps to protect ballot boxes.
“We have cameras set up at each ballot box drop-off location,” Budkins said.
In New Britain, police actually escort absentee ballots from drop boxes to City Hall.
[twitter]https://twitter.com/erinstewartct/status/1852370516599812290[/twitter]
State and federal law enforcement have prepared for election threats all year, including a drill in June.
Voters in Greenwich said it’s sad that elections have come to this. “It doesn't surprise me, which again, is unfortunate and sad,” said voter Susannah Rosato. “But it’s reality.”
If you see anything suspicious, call the State Elections Enforcement Commission hotline at 866-733-2463.
Click HERE for the News 12 Connecticut Voters Guide.
