Bomb Threats Disrupt Voting in New Jersey on Election Day

Voting in New Jersey faced significant disruptions on Election Day due to bomb threats that forced multiple polling locations across several counties to close or relocate.

Summary of Events

On this challenging day, law enforcement responded swiftly to emailed threats, securing polling sites in seven counties, including Bergen, Essex, Ocean, and Passaic. Attorney General Matthew Platkin provided updates on these incidents to News12 New Jersey.

Locations Affected

• Paterson: Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed that two school-based polling locations had to shut down due to threats.
• Newark: Public Safety officials are investigating phishing emails containing false bomb threats, including a notable threat on Gotthard Street.
• Hackensack: Police responded to a safety threat at a polling site early in the morning. A quick K9 sweep ensured the location could reopen shortly thereafter.

Official Statements

Attorney General Platkin assured voters that some polling sites were reopened once it was confirmed there was no immediate danger. However, in other instances, voters were directed to alternate locations.

“Voters should continue to have confidence that they can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and secure election,” stated Platkin.

He emphasized the commitment to holding accountable anyone attempting to disrupt the electoral process.

Election Landscape

Recent polling reflects a competitive race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, with outcomes ranging from a virtual tie to a potential eight-point lead for Sherrill.

• An Emerson College poll indicated Sherrill at 49% and Ciattarelli at 48% among likely voters—results that fall within the margin of error.
• According to a Rutgers University survey, Sherrill holds a five-point advantage, a stark difference from the 2017 election when Democrats won by nearly 15%.

Ciattarelli’s Political Journey

This race marks Ciattarelli’s third gubernatorial run in a decade, following a primary loss in 2017 and a narrow defeat to Governor Phil Murphy in 2021. With New Jersey’s political climate shifting noticeably towards the right between the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections, Ciattarelli sees an opportunity in a race that previously appeared out of reach.

Concerns about Democracy

On Election Day, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate for New York City Mayor, addressed the bomb threats, attributing them to the rhetoric from the Trump administration.

“I think that it is an illustration of the attacks we’re seeing in our democracy,” he remarked. “Sometimes they’re blatant and explicit in the manner of these bomb threats.”

Mamdani underscored the broader narrative of intimidation surrounding voters, fueled by unsupported claims of electoral fraud.

Conclusion

As deliberations continue after Election Day, the emphasis on ensuring a safe and secure electoral process remains a priority for state officials and voters alike. The swift responses from law enforcement reflect a serious commitment to maintaining the integrity of voting in New Jersey.

For more information on election security measures, visit Nass.org or check local news outlets for updates on ongoing investigations.