20 mail-in ballots destroyed in fire at mailbox in Phoenix

Maricopa County voters were contacted after approximately 20 mail-in ballots were destroyed in a mailbox fire.

Around 1 a.m., the Phoenix Fire Department received a report of a fire at a mailbox outside the U.S. Post Office in the area of ​​3900 North 7th Street. After the fire was extinguished and the mail was recovered, it was discovered that some of the mail-in ballots in the mailbox were completely damaged.

Suspect Dieter Klofkorn, 35, pleaded guilty to arson and was arrested Thursday by the Phoenix Police Department in cooperation with the Phoenix Fire Department Arson Investigation Task Force. However, Klofkorn claimed that the incident had nothing to do with the upcoming elections.

“Klofkorn was located and arrested on an outstanding and unrelated warrant,” the Phoenix Police Department news release stated. “While in custody he was interviewed about his involvement in arson. Klofkorn admitted to committing arson. Klofkorn stated that he committed the arson because he wanted to be arrested, that his actions were not politically motivated and had nothing to do with the upcoming elections.

Klofkorn was imprisoned for property arson.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer issued a statement saying his office had contacted the majority of voters he believed were affected but encouraged voters who used the 7th Avenue and Indian School Road drop box after 5 p.m. Wednesday night to check the status of their ballots. online.

“Successful delivery is usually reflected on this website within 72 hours,” the statement reads. “We will be reaching out directly to the handful of voters we know are impacted. Voters should know that the last day to request a new ballot is tomorrow, October 25th. If a voter believes they have been impacted by this incident and has not yet been contacted by our office, they can learn more about how to make this request at: https://Request.Maricopa.Vote.”

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also stated that numerous ballots were successfully collected and returned to the U.S. Post Office following the fire. He also noted that Arizona counties are working to improve election security, equipping ballot drop boxes with security checks “to prevent and detect physical attacks.”

In the statement made by Fontes, it was said: “Any attack that deals a blow to our democratic process will have criminal consequences.” “Ballot misuse is a felony in Arizona and mailbox vandalism is a federal crime. “We are committed to continuing our partnerships that protect and preserve every citizen’s right to vote.”