Suspicious white powder sent to election offices in 3 states

Secretaries of state’s offices in Ohio, Louisiana and Oklahoma were sent packages this week with mysterious powders, just weeks before the offices are set to oversee the midterm elections. Oklahoma and Louisiana reported receiving the envelopes, while Ohio said U.S. Postal Service investigators intercepted a package destined for it. The national groups representing secretaries of state and state election directors expressed concern about the suspicious letters in a letter Wednesday. “As we have each stated in the past, threats against election officials and workers have no place in our democracy. Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties,” the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors said in a joint statement.

“Election officials take these matters seriously and work closely with law enforcement and security partners to protect their personnel and facilities,” the statement added. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose on Wednesday echoed the sentiment that election officials should “never have to fear for their personal safety while performing their duties,” adding that his office was working with state and federal law enforcement following the mailing targeting it. “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