LINDEN (WWJ) – A polling place in Genesee County had to be shut down Tuesday after a “suspicious” backpack was left unattended.
Police were called to the Faith Baptist Church in Linden – south of Flint – after an election worker found the backpack, but couldn’t find the owner.
Authorities searched the building and the backpack was turned over to the FBI, according to a report from NBC 25 in Flint.
Michigan State Police said no explosive device was found in the backpack and the scene was turned back over to Linden PD for investigation. Mid Michigan Now reported the FBI recovered the backpack and there was a “suspicious package” inside. No further details were released.
The disruption didn’t prevent voters from casting their ballots, however. Officials moved the precinct to Linden City Hall and voting resumed, authorities said.
That was one of several minor issues across the state during Primary Election day, according to the Secretary of State’s office.
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Voters in Inkster were delayed slightly due to issues with computers, while Lapeer County had some ballots with the wrong time mark on them.
SOS officials say voters were able to cast ballots in all instances.
Among the most closely watched races of the day across Michigan is the Republican primary to challenge Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in November.
Meanwhile in Oakland County, the redrawing of maps resulted in a congressional primary that will put two U.S. House members against each other – Reps. Andy Levin of Bloomfield Township and Haley Stevens of Waterford Township, who both first won election in 2018. They’re squaring off in the 11th District, which includes much of the southern half of Oakland County.
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