Security threat at Kansas City elections office raises concerns ahead of Election Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The FBI is investigating suspicious mail sent to an election office in Kansas City on Friday. Security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of workers on election day.

“Everyone was worried about their safety,” said Lauri Ealom, Democratic director of the Kansas City Election Board.

Ealom said her office receives daily warnings from the federal government about potential threats. On Friday, they received a message about a suspicious postcard being delivered to various polling locations across the state. They didn’t know they were receiving one.

“When I got the email, I sent it to my team and they said, Lauri, it’s been in your mailbox at your door for a few hours,” she said.

Ealom put on gloves, packed the mail and waited for local police and fire officials to pick it up. On Monday morning, the package was sent to the FBI for sampling.

“We are safe, but this was a big scare,” Ealom said.

Absentee voters are already dropping off their ballots at the Kansas City Election Board office. Workers are now instructed to wear gloves and masks when handling incoming mail.

On Election Day, they will have armed officers at all locations and coordinate with KCPD, SWAT and emergency management services to ensure worker safety. The Wyandotte County Elections Office also works with local, state and federal agencies.

“We also look out for each other, even though we have security, but we also look out for each other,” said KCEB poll worker Artie Newell.

The FBI is investigating suspicious mail sent to an election office in Kansas City on Friday.(KCTV5)

Newell has worked as a poll worker in Kansas City for nearly 10 years. It’s a job she says she does with passion.

“It’s about greeting the people who come in. Every choice is important. People need to get out and vote,” Newell said.

Kansas City Election Board poll workers have completed four classes per day for the past two weeks. The Wyandotte County elections office has been working on recruiting all year and has a list of 500 poll workers they use in case of potential dropouts, but says they are always accepting applications.

“I think it’s important to me to enable people to vote and support them through that process. “Part of the privilege of living in a democracy is helping people vote,” said Cheryl Westra, poll worker for the Kansas City Election Board.

No-excuse absentee voting begins October 22 in Kansas City. Election day is November 5th. You can vote at the following KCEB polling stations: