Union County readies county clerk’s office in case of laced letter threats
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
UNION COUNTY – In November of 2023 during the special election period, various county clerk offices across Oregon, as well as other states such as Washington and even Georgia, faced disruption after being sent letters laced with fentanyl. While no cases of contaminated or laced letters were reported among offices in Northeast Oregon, Union County is, nevertheless, taking precautions against a theoretical threat for the 2024 presidential election cycle.
During a commission meeting on December 6th, 2023, Union County commissioner Paul Anderes advised for the good of the order that county offices be supplied with Narcan in case of laced mail. When asked recently, Anderes clarified that it is a precaution for county staff in case similar attempts are made to disrupt the 2024 election cycle via letters or envelopes laced with fentanyl. Anderes would further state:
“I have full faith in our Clerk’s Office to make sure it’s a fair and honest election in our county.”
Union County Clerk Lisa Feik also confirmed that Narcan has been provided to the office. That said, Feik also noted that the Narcan isn’t exclusively due to laced mail fears, (though that was part of the reasoning) and is meant to serve as a general health and safety measure in case of overdoses.
It should be restated that, while measures are being taken, Union County did not receive laced letters during, or any time following, the Fall 2023 special election. The Baker County Clerk’s Office similarly confirmed that no threats were received during or since. The distribution of Narcan is simply a precaution in case county offices are targeted at some point.
