SANFORD, Fla. – Local elections offices around the country have received letters containing fentanyl in the last few months, and the supervisor of elections in Seminole County says he is taking no chances with his workers.
Supervisor Chris Anderson’s office told News 6 Thursday that Narcan, a drug that has been known to reverse the overdose effects of fentanyl, was distributed throughout the agency’s headquarters in Sanford.
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At least two other county supervisor of elections offices tell News 6 that they have requested Narcan for their offices as well.
“Fortunately, our office has not received any letters containing fentanyl, and we hope it stays that way,” said a spokesman for the office.
According to the Associated Press, elections offices in at least five states were sent letters through the mail with trace amounts of fentanyl in the last few months — in Washington, Georgia, Nevada, California and Oregon.
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The letters were another disruption for local election offices that have dealt with threats and harassment ever since the 2020 presidential election. The hostilities have led to burnout, turnover and staffing issues at offices that are the front line in accurately counting election ballots.
The FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating. The FBI said it had no new information on the case, but issued this statement to News 6:
The Seminole County elections office posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday that new protocols were put in place to “ensure the safety and security of our office workers.”
Due to an unfortunate amount of letters being sent across the country to various Supervisor of Election offices, we have taken the initiative to put new protocols into place. These protocols will ensure the safety and security of our office workers. pic.twitter.com/TLsxqLfuuf
— VoteSeminole (@VoteSeminole) November 15, 2023
Narcan will be at workers’ desks and in the mailroom. A meeting was also held to discuss what to do in case of fentanyl exposure.
We are reaching out to other county elections offices to see if they are taking similar steps.
Brevard County’s supervisor of elections office replied:
“Yes, we are aware of the suspicious letters being sent to elections offices in at least five states. All staff has been briefed with the latest information we have, and our office is following recommendations from county, state, and federal authorities.”
The Lake County supervisor of elections sent this statement to News 6:
“Fortunately we have a comprehensive security plan that includes the possibility of such behavior and how to cope with the event IF it occurs.
“We have alerted our entire staff to be on alert for anything coming into our office whether by mail, UPS, FedEx, etc. or even in-person deliveries.
“So far, we have not received any such letters.
“It is unfortunate that some people go to such extreme and tasteless practices to express themselves.”
The Marion County supervisor of elections office is also working on getting Narcan:
“Fortunately, our office has not received similar letters. However, we will be taking extra precautions. Supervisor Wilcox has requested Narcan from our Fire Chief, to have on hand if it is needed. Gloves and masks will be made available to election workers and staff during Canvassing.”
Orange County’s supervisor of elections told News 6:
Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office already had Narcan on property prior to the Vote-by-Mail letter issue.
Volusia County’s supervisor of elections issued this statement to News 6 Thursday:
“We are being proactive and working with our Sheriff. We have masks and gloves on hand and will be receiving NARCAN. We are always cautious when opening mail, we’ve had scares in the past, for instance Anthrax. Our office is well underway in preparation for the 2024 election cycle.
“We have not received any letters to date.”
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