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Election offices in three states received packages containing mysterious white powder this week, raising alarm just weeks before the midterm elections. Secretaries of state offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma all received suspicious envelopes. Ohio officials said U.S. Postal Service investigators intercepted a package before it reached the office, while Louisiana and Oklahoma confirmed they received theirs directly.
National Election Groups Speak Out
Two major national organizations responded swiftly to the incidents. The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors issued a joint statement on Wednesday condemning the mailings.
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“Threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy,” the groups said. “Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties.”
The statement also noted that election officials take such threats seriously. The groups added that officials work closely with law enforcement and security partners to protect both staff and facilities.
Ohio Package Intercepted Before Delivery
Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose addressed the incident on Wednesday. He thanked the U.S. Postal Service for stopping the package before it arrived at his office.
“Fortunately, delivery of the letter was preempted by investigators at the U.S. Postal Service, who are dealing with similar mailings sent to election officials in multiple states,” LaRose said. He added that his office was cooperating with both state and federal law enforcement. Ohio faces several closely contested races in the coming weeks.
Louisiana Employee Taken to Hospital as Precaution
In Louisiana, an employee in the Election Division opened a package containing white powder on Tuesday. Spokesperson Trey Williams said the employee went to the emergency room as a precaution but was not injured. Law enforcement found no evidence of harmful substances.
Williams confirmed the incident did not disrupt election preparations. “Tuesday’s event did not impact any election operations in preparation for the upcoming election,” he said.
Louisiana State Police also responded to the scene. The agency said it recovered the substance and submitted it for testing at the FBI’s crime lab. State police spokesperson Jacob Pucheu confirmed no employees reported injuries or adverse health effects. NBC affiliate KTAL reported that the Baton Rouge building was evacuated following the discovery.
FBI Investigates Nationwide Pattern of Suspicious Mailings
Oklahoma officials also confirmed receiving a suspicious package on Tuesday. Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the incident did not affect the state’s ability to conduct elections. “Election officials remain committed to ensuring safe and secure elections,” he said.
The FBI declined to confirm specific locations but acknowledged a broader pattern. The agency said it and the Postal Service are “investigating a series of suspicious mailings sent to various addresses nationwide, including Secretary of State offices and their related election offices.”
The FBI added that it is working to identify those responsible. “Some of the letters contained an unknown substance and we are working closely with our law enforcement partners to respond to each incident,” the agency’s national press office said.
This is not the first time election officials have faced such threats. In 2024, at least 20 states received letters containing suspicious powders. One mailing intercepted in Utah included a letter signed by a group calling itself the United States Traitor Elimination Army. Those incidents prompted the Justice Department and several other agencies to issue guidance on protecting personnel from hazardous materials.
