The Bergen County Board of Elections was closed for roughly 90 minutes today after a powder-like substance was found in an envelope delivered by the U.S. Post Office today.
Inside the envelope was a vote-by-mail ballot that arrived from an international location, and the chain of custody of that ballot remains unclear. The New Jersey Globe has confirmed that the inner envelope of the ballot was opened.
The substance was found to be non-toxic after an investigation by the Bergen County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management’s hazmat unit. A source familiar with the incident said the envelope contained dust similar to drywall, and there is no indication at this time that any nefarious activity exists.
Two employees who came in contact with the envelope were temporarily quarantined until the investigation was completed.
Various levels of law enforcement responded to the incident – including federal – and a probe is ongoing.