Linden polling place evacuated

LINDEN, Mich. (WNEM) - A polling location in the city of Linden was evacuated on election day.

The city clerk’s department stated it is working to ensure the integrity of the election given the unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances.

The city clerk’s department has been in contact with the Bureau of Elections and the Department of State. Both departments have been made aware of the situation, the city of Linden said.

The city of Linden stated it is following the guidance provided by the Bureau of Elections as well as the Secretary of State.

The Linden Police Chief said they got the call Tuesday afternoon an moved the precinct from First Baptist Church to city hall.

Authorities and the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office’s bomb sniffing dogs were there to check an unattended backpack out.

There was a suspicious package in the backpack, according to the Linde Police Chief.

The FBI took over the case and found nothing dangerous in the package.

The Michigan State Police Departments Bomb Squad helped the FBI with the investigation. While using a bomb robot, items in the backpack were ruled not explosives.

The owner of the backpack was located and interviewed, according to police.

Police say the bag was there for multiple days.

The precinct at the church was opened after authorities said it was safe,

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