Ballots damaged in USPS mailbox fire in Phoenix

A blue U.S. Postal Service mailbox in Phoenix was set on fire overnight, damaging several ballots and other pieces of mail, authorities said.

Local law enforcement officials arrested a 35-year-old man in connection to the incident, which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. local time Thursday. The suspect, identified as Dieter B. Klofkorn, admitted committing arson but said it was not related to election, police said at a news conference.

“Why that was his desire, we did not get that far into it,” said the spokesman, Officer Rob Scherer.

The mailbox was a drive-up collection box for mail at the Post Office at 3905 N. 7th Ave., said Rob McDade, a fire spokesman. The fire was extinguished, and the area has been reopened.

McDade said about 20 ballots were damaged. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said in a statement that “many undamaged ballots” were recovered and that the affected voters would be contacted.

McDade said the postal inspector took possession of the damaged mail.

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer said in a statement that voters can check the status of their ballots at BeBallotReady.Vote.

“Successful delivery is usually reflected on that website within 72 hours. Voters should be aware that tomorrow, October 25, is the last day to request a replacement ballot,” Richer’s statement read. “If a voter believes they were impacted by this incident they can learn more about how to make that request at https://Request.Maricopa.Vote.”

Fontes, a Democrat, commended the local fire and police departments, as well as the Arizona USPS, for their response. He noted that counties across the state have equipped ballot drop boxes with security controls designed to prevent physical attacks.