Election offices in at least 32 states have received suspicious letters in the past week. The mailings appear tied to a harassment campaign targeting officials ahead of the midterms. WIRED contacted election officials in all 50 states and Washington, DC, to assess the scope.
The letters have prompted security alerts across multiple jurisdictions. Several offices reported evacuations and temporary closures after the packages arrived. Authorities have not confirmed a single motive or identified a suspect.
State and local election workers are on heightened alert as early voting begins in many areas. Officials say the letters have not disrupted ballot counting or voting operations so far. Security protocols at election offices have been tightened in response.
Federal agencies are assisting state authorities with the investigation. The US Postal Inspection Service and FBI have joined the effort to trace the source of the mailings. No injuries have been reported from the suspicious packages.
The campaign comes amid a rise in threats against election workers since 2020. Many offices have already added security measures, including screening mail and limiting public access. Officials say staff morale remains a concern as the midterms approach.
Election administrators are urging workers to report any suspicious mail immediately. Guidance issued to local offices recommends isolating unknown packages and contacting law enforcement. The warnings echo similar advisories issued during previous election cycles.
Authorities continue to investigate whether the letters are coordinated or the work of isolated individuals. Officials stressed that voting systems remain secure and that the mailings have not affected the integrity of the election process.
