Two Everett, WA buildings evacuated over 'suspicious substance' in ballot box

Suspicious substance found in Snohomish County ballot box, officials say

Everett Fire officials say there is no threat to the public after a suspicious substance was found inside a Snohomish County ballot box, prompting evacuations and a hazmat response.

EVERETT, Wash. - Authorities evacuated two buildings on the Snohomish County campus in Everett after a "suspicious substance" was found in a ballot box Friday.

The Everett Fire Department is on scene at a HazMat incident on the Snohomish County campus. (Everett Fire Department)

What we know:

The discovery was made in the basement of a building, and the East and West administrative buildings were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

The Everett Fire Department, South County Fire HazMat teams, law enforcement bomb technicians and detectives investigated the substance for several hours.

The substance was unable to be identified, but officials said it did not pose any immediate danger to public health and safety.

The evacuated buildings at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue will be reopened under discretion by the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office and the County Administration.

Oakes Avenue was closed between Pacific Avenue and Wall Street as authorities worked to identify the substance.

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