Suspicious packages were discovered in the offices of election officials in six states on Monday, although no hazardous materials were found inside the packages. Powder-filled packages were mailed to secretaries of state and state election offices in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Oklahoma. The FBI and U.S. Postal Service are conducting investigations. This incident marks the second time within a year that suspicious packages were sent to election officials in multiple states.
The discovery of these packages comes as early voting has commenced in various states, less than two months away from the crucial elections for president, Senate, Congress, and statehouse offices nationwide, creating disturbance in what is already a tense voting environment. Some states reported finding white powder substances in envelopes sent to election officials, with most cases confirming the substances were harmless. For example, officials in Oklahoma disclosed that the material found in the election office contained flour.
The packages prompted an evacuation in Iowa, although hazmat teams in multiple states swiftly confirmed the materials were not dangerous. Measures and protocols were followed, as stated by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate, who mentioned specific protocols were in place for such situations.
Apart from Iowa, a state office building in Topeka, Kansas, was evacuated due to suspicious mail sent to the secretary of state and the attorney general. The Topeka Fire Department found mail pieces with an unknown substance, but subsequent tests revealed no hazardous materials. Similar incidents were reported in Wyoming and Oklahoma, where substances in mail were determined to be harmless, causing state workers to be sent home pending further testing.
Notably, similar occurrences happened last November in six states, causing disruptions in the election processes. The heightened tension around election security has led to increased protection measures for election offices and staff across the nation. This includes stockpiling naloxone, and taking extra precautions to ensure the safety and security of election workers in light of increased harassment and threats following the 2020 election.
