Suspicious Powder Packages Sent to Election Offices in Three States Weeks Before Midterms

Election offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma received packages containing a suspicious white powder this week, prompting a federal investigation as election officials prepare for the midterm elections.

Officials in Louisiana and Oklahoma found the envelopes on Tuesday, and the U.S. Postal Service intercepted a package addressed to the Ohio secretary of state’s office on Wednesday, according to reporting by NBC News. A Louisiana election employee opened one package and went to an emergency room as a precaution; no evidence of harmful substances has been found.

What officials said

The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said in a joint statement: “Threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy.”

Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose thanked the Postal Service for intercepting the package and said he had told county boards of elections “to be vigilant in the days ahead.”

Oklahoma State Election Board Secretary Paul Ziriax said the incident would not affect the state’s ability to run its elections. Trey Williams, a spokesperson for the Louisiana secretary of state, said law enforcement found no evidence of harmful substances in that state’s package.

The FBI is working with the Postal Service to investigate the mailings and identify who sent them.

Echoes of 2024

This is not the first time election workers have been targeted by mail. In 2024, offices in at least 20 states received letters containing suspicious powders, prompting federal agencies to step up security planning for election personnel.

This week’s packages arrived as local offices are deep in preparations for the November vote.

Reporting based on coverage by NBC News.