n six states received mailings that contained a white powder. In some cases, the incidents disrupted work around local elections.

Some of those letters contained threats and traces of the powerful opioid fentanyl, leading some election offices to stock up on the overdose reversal medication naloxone.

The National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors issued a joint statement condemning what they said were threats against election staff.

 Those who administer our elections should never fear for their safety while carrying out their essential duties,  they said in their statement.

Deputy Postal Inspector Brendan Donahue told reporters Thursday that  any threat or attack on election officials is unacceptable  and that  we are also working with our partners on identifying the individual or individuals responsible for the letters. 

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Associated Press writer Nicholas Riccardi in Denver contributed to this report.