🗳️ Why Portland’s seeing low turnout (so far)

Free Gaza Message in Ballot Box Arson

Investigators looking into the arson attacks on two Portland and Vancouver ballot boxes last weekend have found “Free Gaza” messages on the devices that were used. It’s one piece of evidence that the attacks were connected, though law enforcement officials aren’t yet sure if they’re the actions of a pro-Palestinian activist or someone looking to use that as a cover. [New York Times]

• Related: In Clark County, 345 voters have requested replacement ballots after the Vancouver attack damaged 488 and destroyed an unknown number. (Only three ballots were damaged in Portland.) Also, police say the suspect is a white man, aged 30 to 40, who has experience with welding. [OPB]

Swan Song for Sinclair

Portland Thorns superstar Christine Sinclair plays her last regular-season game tomorrow after a 12-year run. [Willamette Week]

• Related: Tickets are still available.

Slow Ballot Returns

Compared with previous presidential elections, Portland voters have been slow to return ballots, sparking concern that the complexities of the new ranked choice voting are depressing voter turnout. But the pattern of lower turnout also holds in Clackamas and Yamhill counties. Another theory is that Oregon now accepts ballots postmarked by Election Day, so voters are taking their time. [Willamette Week]