Election Day Threats Reported At Polling Places Across New Jersey

“Make no mistake – we will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections.” That was the reaction from New Jersey’s attorney general after a series of “non-credible” threats were made to polling places across the state on Tuesday.

According to Matthew Platkin, law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email involving several polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties.

“Law enforcement officers have responded at each affected polling place, and they have worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter,” Platkin said.

“Some of these polling locations have already reopened to the public,” the attorney general said. “At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.”

Some of the threats took place at schools that were serving as polling places.

In West Orange, three schools received a bomb threat. Police and local authorities looked into the incident, and the threats have been declared non-credible.

A polling location at one of the schools in the Toms River Regional School District was also reportedly among those targeted by hoax bomb threats.

Two city schools in Paterson that were being used as polling locations saw threats on Tuesday. In Newark, public safety officials said they are analyzing phishing emails with false bomb threats, and said a threat on Gotthard Street was unfounded.

A polling location was relocated in Monmouth County, and the polling station at Avenel Middle School was closed due to a police investigation.

Other similar law enforcement-related incidents were reported in Hackensack, Ridgewood, North Brunswick, Fair Lawn and Lake Como, reports say.

“We are grateful to the brave law enforcement officers and the dedicated poll workers who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety, and we are coordinating closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners,” Platkin said.

The attorney general added:

“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. Make no mistake: We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections, and we will swiftly hold accountable anyone who seeks to interfere with the safety or security of our electoral process.”

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way also commented on Tuesday’s incidents. Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time, she 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,” said Way, who also serves as the Secretary of State.

Way said the New Jersey Division of Elections, the Office of the Attorney General and the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell are coordinating with federal, state and local partners to help county election officials respond to the threats.

County election officials are relying upon their discretion and continuity of operation plans to make necessary safety changes to protect voters and secure the state’s elections – including temporarily relocating polling places if necessary, Way said.

Authorities said that voters should contact 911 in the event of an emergency, and report any suspicious activity to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365) or at tips@njohsp.gov.

U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew of New Jersey, chair of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Oversight, said he is asking the Department of Justice to immediately open an investigation into the threats.

“For seven separate polling places to receive bomb threats on Election Day is not a coincidence – it looks organized, intentional and meant to scare voters,” Van Drew said.

“Anyone who would threaten violence to interfere with our elections is a coward and a criminal,” he added.

New Jersey’s hotly contested governor election is drawing attention across the nation, and is expected to bring many voters to the polls on Tuesday. Read More: Election Day 2025: Who Will NJ Choose For Governor?

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who is running for governor as a Democrat, said the threats are a “clear attempt” to undermine the democratic system and intimidate New Jerseyans from going to the polls to exercise their right to vote.

Former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for governor, posted a message with resources about how to report voting issues or concerns.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

• See Related: West Orange School Gets Bomb Threat On Election Day
• See Related: Hoax Election Site Bomb Threat Targets Toms River School
• See Related: Bomb Threat At Avenel Middle School Cleared
• See Related: Bergen County Polls Open After Bomb Threats
• See Related: Ridgewood Schools Close For Day Due To Threats: Reports
  

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