Authorities are investigating the delivery of suspicious letters, some containing the opioid fentanyl, sent to election offices in at least five states, including Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington. The letters, intercepted before reaching some offices, have led to delays in the ballot-counting process. In California, the United States Postal Service intercepted two envelopes headed to election facilities in Los Angeles and Sacramento.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service confirmed that four letters contained fentanyl, sparking concerns for the safety of election workers. The Pierce County auditor’s office in Tacoma, Washington, released images of a letter it received, postmarked in Portland, Oregon, with a message stating, “End elections now.” In response, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger labeled the incidents as domestic terrorism, emphasizing the need for condemnation.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of threats faced by election workers across the country. Fulton County in Georgia, a crucial voting jurisdiction, was among the apparent targets. The Democracy Alliance, a liberal donor group, is focusing on key House races in New York and California for the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, authorities are working to intercept any additional suspicious letters before delivery.
In California, two envelopes were intercepted by the USPS, prompting heightened security measures. Washington state experienced disruptions during ballot processing, with envelopes containing unknown substances causing evacuation and delays. The incidents have renewed concerns about the safety of election officials, leading to calls for condemnation of such acts as threats to democracy.
While the political motivations of the sender remain unclear, the incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by election offices in securing their buildings and protecting workers. The use of fentanyl in these letters adds a dangerous dimension to the threats, prompting heightened vigilance from law enforcement and election officials. The Biden administration is aware of the investigation, acknowledging the efforts of election and poll workers in ensuring the security of democratic processes.
It remains to be seen how these incidents will impact future security measures for election offices across the United States, as officials grapple with ensuring the safety of their staff and maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
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