Police and hazmat crews evacuated the Hamilton County Board of Elections administrative building Saturday, Oct. 24, after a worker found a suspicious substance in the mail.

The incident at 4700 Smith Road in Norwood did not interrupt early voting. The Early Voting Center, which shares the complex, stayed open through its regular Saturday hours, according to Fox 19, which first reported the evacuation.

Board of Elections spokesperson Stacey Moher said someone spotted the substance around 10:50 a.m. Workers evacuated the administrative side of the building while police and hazmat personnel assessed the situation, Fox 19 reported. Crews cleared the building for re-entry a short time later.

Local 12 reported that a poll worker opened an envelope containing white powder while sorting absentee ballot applications. Board of Elections Director Sherry Poland told Local 12 there were no injuries and the response was swift.

"I'm always so proud of the bipartisan team here at the Board of Elections. Everyone remained calm. They followed our evacuation procedures …" Poland told Local 12.

The FBI is investigating, Local 12 reported. The substance has not been identified.

Poland and Deputy Director Raquel Burgos said in a statement that the safety of employees and the public was their highest priority and thanked emergency responders for their prompt action.

The scare came during a record-setting early voting period for Hamilton County. Poland told Fox 19 that more than 40,000 people had already voted early in person, surpassing the previous midterm record of about 34,000.

Local 12 reported that similar white-powder envelopes were sent to the Ohio Secretary of State's office and the Kentucky State Board of Elections in recent weeks, as well as to election offices in several other states and to members of Congress. Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose said tests in other states found the powder was not harmful, according to Local 12.

Early in-person voting at the Hamilton County Board of Elections continues through Nov. 1. Extended hours this week include 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, and 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27. There is no in-person voting on Monday, Nov. 2.

Election Day polls open at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3. Mail-in ballot applications are due by 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Voters can reach the Board of Elections at 513-946-8500.