Elections Commission advises clerks on mail threats after fentanyl laced letters found in other states
MADISON – Amid reports of election offices in at least five states receiving suspicious letters — some containing fentanyl — the Wisconsin Elections Commission is working with law enforcement on safety measures, according to guidance shared with local clerks.
According to the memo, there are currently no known threats specific to Wisconsin.
"In light of these mailings, we are now working with state and local law enforcement and other security partners to compile suggestions for best practices when handling incoming mail," read the memo sent to municipal and county clerks Thursday.
Several letters were sent to election offices in Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon and Washington, the Associated Press reported Thursday. Some were intercepted before reaching their destination.
According to the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, four of the letters contained fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid. It is important to note that even brief contact with fentanyl is not enough to cause an overdose, and researchers have found that the likelihood of a fatal overdose resulting from accidental exposure is relatively low.
Still, the incident has delayed counting ballots in some local races and is the latest example of the threats faced by election workers across the country.
Wisconsin's top elections agency encouraged clerks to work with local law enforcement agencies and develop a protocol for handling mail in their offices.
"As we head into next year’s election, it is important that we all have well-rehearsed security and safety procedures in place," the memo read.
The agency is unaware whether state or federal law enforcement will provide additional updates, according to the memo.
"We feel it is important clerks be aware of concerns observed in other states and are provided resources from our law enforcement and security partners. However, it is important to note WEC staff members are not experts in physical security concerns," the memo read.
The email contained several "best practice" documents, with recommendations including using latex or nitrile gloves and letter openers to open mail, being careful not to shake envelopes, learning how to identify suspicious mail, and follow-up steps after handling suspicious mail or being exposed to potentially dangerous substances.
The Washington State Patrol's director of communications, Chris Loftis, reported that a bomb squad was dispatched to an election office in Tacoma on Wednesday following the discovery of a message. The message indicated that the letter aimed to "stop the election." The Pierce County auditor's office in Tacoma released images of the letter it received. The letter was postmarked in Portland, Oregon, and read, "End elections now."
In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger confirmed that election workers in Fulton County received a suspicious letter. He also mentioned that no other counties in the state were targeted.
The United States Postal Service in California successfully intercepted two suspicious envelopes en route to Los Angeles and Sacramento election facilities. And an investigation is underway in Lane County, Oregon, after a suspicious mail was delivered to the local election office on Wednesday.
A spokesperson from the Department of Justice said Thursday they are aware of the reports and the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are conducting investigations.
Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien.jrn.com.
Doc Louallen of USA TODAY contributed.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin Elections Commission memo advises clerks on mail threats
