Election officials in three states reported receiving suspicious packages containing white powder in the past week, raising security concerns just weeks before the midterm elections.
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said Wednesday that U.S. Postal Service investigators intercepted a letter addressed to his office that contained a powdery white substance. The FBI has taken over the investigation, LaRose said in a statement posted on social media.
“Election officials should never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties, and there is no place in a peaceful democracy for violence, threats or acts of intimidation,” LaRose said. “We have a duty to the citizens of Ohio to deliver secure and accessible elections, and these kinds of cowardly threats will not deter us from that mission.”
In Oklahoma, Paul Ziriax, secretary of the state election board, said the office was evacuated Tuesday after receiving an envelope containing suspicious white powder. State troopers and other law enforcement agencies responded, and no injuries were reported. Ziriax assured voters that the incident would not disrupt election operations.
“We want to assure Oklahoma voters that today’s incident does not impact our ability to conduct elections,” he said. “Election officials remain committed to ensuring safe and secure elections.”
Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced Tuesday afternoon on social media that the Baton Rouge elections office had been evacuated after an employee opened a package and found white powder. Later that evening, Landry said law enforcement tests found no harmful substances, and the office would review the incident for safety improvements.
The Hill has reached out to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI for comment. These incidents echo similar threats before the 2024 presidential election, when election offices in several states received white powder packages.
The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors issued a joint statement Wednesday expressing deep concern over the new reports. “As we have each stated in the past, threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy,” the organizations said. “Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties.”
The recent incidents come amid heightened scrutiny of election security, with public opposition to election betting and ongoing debates over voting procedures. Officials across the country have been ramping up security measures to protect election workers and ensure the integrity of the voting process.
