Politics
Wisconsin election agency says suspicious envelope tested negative for hazards
A Wisconsin Elections Commission employee alerted authorities after spotting a mailed item resembling suspicious packages reported in other states. Testing found no hazardous material, and the commission says preparations for the Nov. 3 election will continue unchanged.
MADISON, Wis. — A suspicious piece of mail sent to the Wisconsin Elections Commission was found to contain no hazardous material after authorities tested it, the agency said Thursday, Oct. 15.
A commission employee noticed the item shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday and recognized that it appeared similar to mail received in other states that contained an unidentified powder. The employee did not open it and notified authorities, according to the commission. Field tests detected no hazardous material.
No injuries or health effects were reported. The FBI and other agencies are continuing to investigate.
Meagan Wolfe, Wisconsin’s chief election official and the commission’s administrator, said the incident would not disrupt election officials’ work ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
“Let this be very clear: this incident will not shake us,” Wolfe said, adding that election officials are prepared to address challenges and remain committed to conducting a safe and secure election. She also said people carrying out civic duties should not have to fear violence or intimidation.
After similar incidents were reported in other states, commission staff circulated safe-mail-handling guidance to municipal and county clerks early Wednesday. Wolfe said state and local election officials train for potential incidents and have contingency plans in place.