Suspicious Mail Prompts Midterm Office Evacuations

As the midterm elections approach, King County Elections is training residents from across the political spectrum to observe ballot processing, security procedures, equipment testing and audits, with officials saying public oversight strengthens transparency and accountability. Campaign coverage has also highlighted false online rumors about a Texas candidate, a political ad mistakenly aired in the wrong Portland, and suspicious-powder packages sent to election officials. In a Seattle-area legislative race, longtime Democratic incumbent Gerry Pollet faces challenger Will Dreher, whose strong primary showing has made the contest a test of voter appetite for change and of competing priorities including education, public safety and AI regulation.