Staff Reports
An unidentified chemical was found inside an absentee ballot in Adams County, Colorado. According to an elections official, the substance was a concern.
The ballot was in the county clerk's office in Brighton, which is about 40 miles northeast of Denver. According to a report by WUSA-TV, a white powder was discovered spilled out of the sealed ballot.
According to ABC News, various emergency agencies were called to the scene. Hazmat units were also sent to the county offices.
The FBI was then called in to investigate. The substance in the ballot was tested for various types of explosives, drugs, and biological agents.
According to Josh Zyglaielbaum, the Adams County clerk, there was a significant amount of the substance inside the envelope. Initial results indicated that the substance was not toxic. However, full confirmation would take several days.
According to the Colorado Sun, the ballot also had traces of cooking oil. Lab tests have been ordered to investigate the substance.
The police in the town of Thornton have interviewed the voter who came to the office to drop off his or her ballot. They said that the individual was unaware of how the substance got into the ballot.
Despite the initial statements by officials that the incident was an attempt to disrupt the election process, an elections official noted that strange things can happen to ballots.
