Los Angeles County election officials are investigating two separate incidents of possible election interference on the eve of California’s statewide primary election.

On Sunday, June 1, 2026, a limited number of Vote-by-Mail ballots were discovered with fire damage inside an official ballot drop box in downtown Los Angeles. Separately, a voting center in Long Beach was vandalized.

What Happened:

• Burned Ballots: Election workers found several mail-in ballots damaged by fire inside a drop box located at the Department of Public Social Services-Civic Center. Officials immediately reported the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department. Affected voters will be contacted so they can re-cast their ballots if needed.
• Vandalism at Voting Center: A vote center at Cesar E. Chavez Park in Long Beach was targeted. Reports indicate broken windows and other damage, though officials stated that voting operations were not disrupted and staff responded quickly.

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan described the incidents as isolated and emphasized that any attempt to interfere with the electoral process is a serious felony under both state and federal law. Investigations are ongoing with the LAPD.

Context: Tight LA Mayoral Race

These events come as the Los Angeles mayoral primary is on a knife’s edge. The June 2, 2026 primary features a competitive field, with recent polls showing:

• Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass leading narrowly
• City Councilmember Nithya Raman close behind
• Reality TV personality Spencer Pratt gaining significant momentum and polling in striking distance for a potential upset

The race is nonpartisan, and if no candidate reaches 50%, the top two will advance to a November runoff.

Election officials urge voters to remain confident in the process, use secure drop boxes or vote in person on Election Day, and report any suspicious activity. Mail ballots can often be tracked online.

This is a developing story. Authorities have not yet identified any suspects or determined if the two incidents are connected.