Law enforcement and election officials in New Jersey acted swiftly Tuesday to secure polling places following a series of bomb threats later determined to be unfounded.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who also serves as the state’s top election official, stated that the threats had been emailed to seven counties, including Passaic, a pivotal swing county. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time, Way said. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers and coordinate closely with state, local, and federal partners to ensure a smooth and safe election.
The threats arose on the final day of voting for New Jersey's closely watched gubernatorial race, reminiscent of bomb threats that disrupted the previous year's presidential election. The threats were reported in counties such as Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic. Attorney General Matthew Platkin confirmed some polling sites had already reopened, while other voters were directed to nearby locations.
Law enforcement officers responded promptly at each affected polling place, securing them and ensuring voter safety, Platkin added. The FBI’s Newark office is assisting local and state agencies, confirming its awareness of the threats.
Amidst these alarming events, the Department of Justice had dispatched monitors to six counties, including Passaic, to oversee the elections after requests from the Republican parties in the state. They aim to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal laws during this contentious electoral season.
