Early ballot collection boxes were set on fire this week in Washington State and Oregon, amid warnings from U.S. federal authorities regarding threats to disrupt the democratic process.

Local officials reported that incendiary devices planted in two other boxes failed to detonate.

The Washington attack echoes a similar incident on October 8, suggesting connections due to device similarities.

In Florida, the Miami Herald reported a different incident where a container and bag with ballots were found roadside.

Officials assured that the ballots were secure, already scanned, and processed, blaming the mishap on a truck's unlocked door, leading to the driver's dismissal.

As the official election day approaches next Tuesday, many states have begun early polling, allowing voters to cast ballots via mail, drop box, or in-person, following state-specific procedures.

The Department of Homeland Security and other agencies have warned local officials of potential disruptions by domestic violent extremists (DVEs), outlining threats to politicians, poll workers, and election infrastructures like ballot drop boxes.

According to NGO 'Property of the People', bulletins highlighted ballot boxes as 'soft targets' for attack due to their accessibility.

Furthermore, threats have reportedly originated from extreme right-wing groups, such as the Proud Boys.

These security concerns are exacerbated by the looming 2024 presidential election cycle, marked by ideological divisions and heightened rhetoric, partly due to prior assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump.

International conflicts also continue to influence U.S. foreign and domestic politics, posing additional challenges to election security.