Administration with oversight over federal elections, called on the Department of Justice to prioritize its review of incidents involving anonymous letters – some containing fentanyl and other unidentified substances – that were recently sent to several election officials in six states, and to work with the United States Postal Service and state and local officials to guard against similar incidents. The Senators highlighted the importance of protecting election workers and preventing disruption of election operations as we approach the 2024 elections.Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
“With the upcoming primary elections beginning early next year in most of these states, we ask that the Department of Justice prioritize review of these concerning incidents and ensure that those affected have the resources and support that they need,” the Senators wrote to Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “We also urge the Department to take additional actions, including working with state and local officials and the United States Postal Service, to guard against similar incidents as we approach next year’s elections.”
“More than a dozen letters have reportedly been sent to election offices or government buildings in California, Georgia, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, leading to evacuations and some delays in ballot counting in local elections this November,” the Senators continued. “Given the risks to the safety of the election workers and volunteers who administer our free and fair elections, and the potential for disruption of election-related operations, we ask that the Department prioritize these cases and ensure that the impacted states have the resources that they need.”
In November, Klobuchar and Fischer held a hearing on “Ongoing Threats to Election Administration,” where election officials from both parties testified about threats and other challenges that election workers are facing.
In July, Klobuchar and Fischer introduced a resolution that passed the Senate unanimously to honor poll workers in recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day.
In March, Klobuchar and Fischer held a hearing on “State and Local Perspectives on Election Administration,” including the impact of increasing threats directed at election officials on the ability of states and local governments to administer elections.
The full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
Dear Deputy Attorney General Monaco:
We write to express serious concerns following reports of anonymous letters – some containing fentanyl and other unidentified substances – that were sent to election offices in at least six states this month. With the upcoming primary elections beginning early next year in most of these states, we ask that the Department of Justice prioritize review of these concerning incidents and ensure that those affected have the resources and support that they need. We also urge the Department to take additional actions, including working with state and local officials and the United States Postal Service, to guard against similar incidents as we approach next year’s elections.
More than a dozen letters have reportedly been sent to election offices or government buildings in California, Georgia, Kansas, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, leading to evacuations and some delays in ballot counting in local elections this November. Earlier this year, in August, a fentanyl-laced letter was sent to election officials in King County, Washington. At least four letters have tested positive for fentanyl, leading some election offices to obtain the antidote drug naloxone. Some letters reportedly included messages that read in part “end elections now.” In at least one instance, ballot processing and counting was delayed when local election officials evacuated their offices after receiving a letter containing an unknown substance.
The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, which we lead as Chair and Ranking Member, has jurisdiction over legislation concerning federal elections. Given the risks to the safety of the election workers and volunteers who administer our free and fair elections, and the potential for disruption of election-related operations, we ask that the Department prioritize these cases and ensure that the impacted states have the resources that they need.
We appreciate your prompt attention to this issue.
Source: Senator Amy Klobuchar
