Local election workers have been under siege since 2020. Now they face fentanyl-laced letters

Since 2020, local election workers have been facing a multitude of challenges, and now they are confronted with a disturbing new threat – fentanyl-laced letters. During the ballot-counting process for primary elections in August, the elections office in King County, Washington, received a suspicious envelope containing trace amounts of fentanyl. This alarming incident was not an isolated one, as similar events have occurred across multiple states, including Georgia, Nevada, California, and Oregon.

Election workers, both in Seattle and nationwide, have been subjected to threats, harassment, and intimidation since the 2020 presidential election. Julie Wise, the Director of King County elections, acknowledges the emotional and mental toll this has taken on elections administrators. However, they remain resolute in their commitment to conducting secure elections.

The challenges faced by election offices are compounded by years of understaffing and the additional strain brought on by the pandemic and post-2020 election hostility fueled by baseless claims of election fraud. This has led to a wave of retirements and resignations, leaving those who remain exhausted but determined to ensure the safety and security of future elections.

Recent incidents involving suspicious envelopes containing potentially lethal substances like fentanyl have prompted election offices to take precautions, including having naloxone, an overdose-reversal drug, on hand. Fulton County, Georgia, which has been the target of conspiracy theories, has been particularly vigilant in safeguarding its election workers.

Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid, poses a significant risk in overdose cases when ingested but is less dangerous upon contact. Nevertheless, election workers must remain cautious.

The current environment has made recruiting election staff even more challenging, with some politically important states witnessing significant turnover among election officials. This exodus raises concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the potential for errors to be exploited by conspiracy theorists.

Harassment of election workers has drawn the attention of Congress, state lawmakers, and law enforcement, leading to increased penalties for threats against election workers and the establishment of a Justice Department task force to address these issues.

In conclusion, election workers across the United States are facing unprecedented challenges, from threats and harassment to the presence of dangerous substances in mailed envelopes. Despite these obstacles, their dedication to the nonpartisan work of running elections remains unwavering, and they are determined to ensure the integrity and safety of the democratic process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Election Security

More about Election Security

• Threats and harassment plague election workers
• Fentanyl-laced letters sent to election offices
• Challenges faced by election offices
• Precautions taken by Fulton County election office
• Actions by lawmakers and law enforcement