Context:

Two election-related vandalism incidents in Los Angeles County are under investigation days before California’s primary: a fire damaged ballots in a drop box near the Department of Public Social Services and a separate act at a Long Beach voting center. Officials say only a small number of ballots were affected and operations remained largely uninterrupted, with the LAPD notified and assistance from authorities ongoing. County officials warn that interference with voting will not be tolerated, and efforts are underway to identify any voters whose ballots were damaged. The incidents unfold as voters participate in a high-stakes primary, where polls show notable races in both the governor and Los Angeles mayoral contest, and the outcome could hinge on turnout and trust in the process.

Dive Deeper:

• A staff member found fire-related damage inside a ballot drop box outside the Department of Public Social Services in downtown Los Angeles' Civic Center. Preliminary information indicates the incident affected a small number of ballots because it occurred between a scheduled collection and the next morning's retrieval. The Los Angeles Police Department has been notified and is investigating.

• Vandalism was also reported at a voting center in Cesar Chavez Park, Long Beach. Officials said voting operations at the site were not disrupted and did not provide additional details about the damage.

• Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean Logan condemned both incidents and emphasized collaboration with law enforcement to protect the integrity of the voting process, stressing that attempts to interfere with voting are taken seriously.

• County officials are working to identify voters whose ballots may have been damaged by the fire, and they noted that Los Angeles County operates dozens of secure ballot drop boxes serviced on regular schedules during the voting period, which lasts 29 days prior to the primary.

• Under California law, tampering with official ballots or ballot drop boxes carries criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, underscoring the seriousness of the incidents.

• The incidents occur as voters cast ballots in closely watched races, including the contest to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom and a competitive Los Angeles mayoral race, where polls show narrow margins among top candidates.

• Officials urged voters to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity while reiterating that voting locations remain open and operational ahead of the deadline.