Multiple polling places temporarily closed Tuesday morning in Northern New Jersey after precincts received emailed bomb threats later deemed to be not credible, prompting election officials to direct some voters to other polling places.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement on X that “law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email” in multiple counties, and that while “polling locations have already reopened” at some, “at others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.”
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda told New York ABC station WABC the emails included “fake claims of bomb threats.”
Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, New Jersey’s top election official, said in a statement that law enforcement determined that there are no credible threats at this time.
“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,” Way said.
The emails went to polling locations in New Jersey’s Bergen County, Essex County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, and Passaic County, officials said.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday, New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill said the threats wouldn’t deter voters.
“I know New Jerseyans, so I know everyone is taking this really seriously and will get out to vote,” Sherrill said. “Obviously this is an attempt to suppress the vote here. I don’t think New Jerseyans take very kindly to that kind of tampering in our election system.”
During the 2024 election, bomb threats called into polling stations in key swing states prompted widespread delays in voting. The FBI later said the threats likely originated from Russia.
Officials in New Jersey have not indicated the source of Tuesday’s threatening emails.
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