Suspicious Suitcase Forces Evacuation Of San Diego County Registrar Of Voters Office

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Registrar of Voters office was evacuated Monday after an abandoned suitcase was found in the lobby, but authorities determined it posed no threat, officials said.

The suspicious satchel was reported around 1:45 p.m. at the county facility at 5600 block of Overland Avenue in Kearny Mesa, according to City News Service.

A sheriff's bomb squad was called to investigate, and nearby streets were closed as a precaution. The evacuation was lifted and roads reopened within 2 1/2 hours, City News Service reported.

County officials said operations have resumed and voting and ballot processing remain secure.

"We are working closely with public safety agencies and following established protocols to protect the integrity of election operations," county spokesperson Aiyana Moya said.

"Voters should know that voting and ballot processing remain secure, and election services continue to be available throughout the county."

The incident came one day before Tuesday's election.

Voters can cast ballots at any of the county's 221 vote centers or return completed mail ballots at official drop boxes. All vote centers and ballot drop boxes will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday.