White Powder Sent to Erie County Board of Elections
This morning, Monday, September 28, 2020, an envelope with white powder was sent to the Erie County Board of Elections.
UPDATE: Mark Poloncarz said the white powder was determined to be non-hazardous, according to WIVB.
According to a tweet from Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, an envelope with an unknown white substance was sent to the Erie County Board of Elections offices. He stated that police, fire and hazmat are all responding. West Eagle street has been closed between Delaware Avenue and South Elmwood Avenue.
Poloncarz tweeted that the substance is being tested by the FBI and Buffalo Fire Hazmat,
"Update on receipt of white powder envelope at the @ErieCountyBOE offices on West Eagle Street in Buffalo: I've been advised a FBI Hazardous Material Response Team has arrived and will be testing the material with Buffalo Fire Hazmat."
Employees have left the building out of an abundance of caution, although it is not known yet if the substance is hazardous or not.
With this 2020 presidential election being a big focus, it's no surprise that some forces might be targeting elections offices to stop or slow down early voting.
According to the Erie County Board of Elections,
"You have until Tuesday, Oct. 27 to postmark an absentee ballot application or to apply online. Monday, Nov. 2 is the deadline for in-person applications. Completed absentee ballots must be postmarked or delivered in person to the BoE by 9 pm Tuesday, Nov. 3. You may drop off your ballot at any early voting or Election Day poll site as well. Call 858-8891 with any questions."