SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane County Elections Office evacuated Wednesday morning after an employee discovered an envelope that ultimately tested positive for some amount of fentanyl.
A spokesperson for the Spokane Police Department said the substance tested negative for any explosives or biological agents, but a presumptive test showed it was positive for fentanyl.
According to Spokane County Auditor, Vicky Dalton, the management and staff followed safety protocols.
“Our staff immediately secured the facility and evacuated the building. The Spokane Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team and the Spokane Police Department quickly responded, tested the substance and an investigation is underway,” Dalton said.
According to the county, a worker found the substance in an envelope that wasn’t a ballot. She didn’t touch it and reported it right away, prompting the county campus to go on “red alert.”
The incident happened as election workers continue to tabulate ballots from Tuesday’s election. According to the county, the elections office won’t reopen Wednesday, and the next batch of results will be delayed to 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Other elections offices around the state of Washington have experienced the same issue. In King County, an employee at the offices reported an unknown substance that is being investigated by the Renton Police Department.
Fire crews and hazmat are on scene at King county elections (919 SW Grady Way) for reports of an unknown substance. Hazmats crews are currently in the building. PIO will be on site. Will update as more information becomes available. pic.twitter.com/72NFLYsVZf— Renton Regional Fire Authority (@RentonRFA) November 8, 2023
While in Pierce County, there was another incident that involved a possible hazardous substance at their elections office and is being investigated by the Tacoma Fire Department.
Crews are on scene in the 2500 blk of S. 35th to investigate a possible hazardous substance. Hazmat crews have mitigated the situation, and the building is now safe to occupy. pic.twitter.com/57Fz9zT95Q— Tacoma Fire (@TacomaFire) November 8, 2023
The Seattle FBI office confirmed it’s communicating with local law enforcement agencies about these investigations.
“The FBI is aware and in communication with our partners regarding these incidents,” FBI Seattle wrote in a statement. “We are poised to assist, if needed. We would like to stress the FBI takes all threats of violence seriously, including threats targeting those who do the critical work of administering free and fair elections throughout the U.S. We would also like to remind everyone to exercise care in handling mail, especially from unrecognized senders. If you see something suspicious, please contact law enforcement immediately.”
