Election Officials Increase Naloxone Supplies in Response to Fentanyl-Laced Letters Disrupting Vote Counting

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This month, alarming letters sent to voting centers and government buildings in six states have stirred anxiety and concern. These letters contained traces of fentanyl or white powder, accompanied by veiled threats and ambiguous political symbols. Drawing parallels to the anthrax attacks of 2001, these mailings have prompted election officials, who were already grappling with persistent harassment and threats, to collaborate with local police, fire departments, and health agencies to secure an adequate supply of the opioid overdose reversal medication known as naloxone.

While the risk of accidental exposure to synthetic opioids like fentanyl is relatively low, the presence of naloxone provides a measure of reassurance, especially considering the ongoing addiction crisis in the United States, claiming more than 100,000 lives annually. Election managers emphasize the importance of safety for their ballot workers, who often find themselves in the line of fire while processing thousands or even millions of ballots during elections.

Eldon Miller, who oversees the ballot-opening staff at King County Elections in Seattle, shared his perspective on the matter. He stated, “My team is usually in the direct fire just because we’re opening up thousands or millions of ballots depending on the election. I always say to my team, your safety is my utmost importance.”

These suspicious letters were dispatched this month to voting centers and government buildings in six states: Georgia, Nevada, California, Oregon, Washington, and Kansas. While some were intercepted before reaching their destinations, others were successfully delivered, leading to evacuations and brief delays in vote counting. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are actively investigating the incidents.

Notably, some of these letters featured symbols such as an antifascist emblem, a progress pride flag, and a pentagram. While these symbols have associations with leftist politics, they have also been appropriated by conservative figures to stereotype the left. The political leanings of the sender remain unclear.

Fentanyl, a potent opioid that can be up to 50 times more powerful than heroin when taken in the same quantity, is a driving force behind the current overdose crisis. It is frequently pressed into pills or mixed with other drugs. It is important to note that brief contact with fentanyl does not pose an overdose risk. Unlike powdered anthrax, which can become airborne and cause lethal infections when inhaled, the risk of fatal overdose from accidental fentanyl exposure is minimal.

Election workers across the nation have faced an onslaught of threats, harassment, and intimidation since the aftermath of the 2020 election, marked by false claims of election fraud propagated by former President Donald Trump and his supporters.

Ann Dover, the elections director in Cherokee County, Georgia, reached out to fire officials to secure Narcan, the nasal spray form of naloxone. Naloxone is readily available over the counter, suitable for individuals of all ages, and does not harm those without opioids in their system. Additionally, her office has implemented new precautions for handling mail, designating a specific person to open it while wearing gloves and a mask.

In response to receiving a suspicious letter, Lane County, Oregon, will provide naloxone kits and training to its election staff, as will Lincoln County, Nevada, although the latter did not receive any such letters.

The office of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced its intention to supply naloxone to all 159 counties in the state following the interception of a letter containing opioids on its way to elections officials in Atlanta’s Fulton County. Raffensperger, while condemning the letters, revealed that one of his sons tragically died from a fentanyl overdose approximately five years ago, underscoring the deadly nature of the substance.

Some of the letters sent to King and Pierce counties in Washington state bore striking similarities to the one received by King County during the August primary election. This prompted King County Elections to procure naloxone, even though it was not needed at the time or when the Renton office received a second fentanyl-laced letter this month. Halei Watkins, spokeswoman for King County Elections, explained, “We felt like it was just a good idea to have on hand for all kinds of scenarios these days. We have it in a few spots in the building and include it with the first aid and emergency kits that go to our off-site vote centers.”

Maya Doe-Simkins, co-director of Remedy Alliance/For The People, an organization dedicated to providing low-cost or free naloxone to community-based harm reduction programs, believes that governments should focus on providing naloxone to individuals who are likely to encounter overdose situations. While naloxone is readily available online and in some pharmacies, the distribution could be more targeted to those who need it most.

Chris Anderson, the elections supervisor in Seminole County, Florida, expressed his office’s proactive approach to obtaining Narcan from the fire department, even though they had not received any envelopes containing fentanyl. Anderson emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies and the potential to save lives with naloxone. He remarked, “I’d rather have and not need than need and not have.”

In Tacoma, Washington, Pierce County Auditor Linda Farmer revealed that her office acquired naloxone following the experience of neighboring King County in August. They also took the opportunity to remind their staff of its availability, highlighting the importance of readiness in these uncertain times.

This development underscores the challenges faced by election officials and the need for precautionary measures in a climate marked by threats and uncertainty.

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Note: This article is based on the provided text and does not reflect the opinions or views of the author.

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