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In a prompt response to a wave of bomb threats, which were later assessed as hoaxes, New Jersey’s law enforcement and election officials took decisive measures to ensure the security of polling stations on Tuesday.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the state’s elections, reported that the threats were sent via email to seven counties, including Passaic—a significant county under the observation of the Department of Justice due to its swing status.
“At this moment, law enforcement has concluded that there are no credible threats,” Way assured. “We are fully committed to safeguarding both voters and poll workers, working hand-in-hand with local, state, and federal partners to guarantee a secure and seamless election process.”
These threats emerged as voters headed to the polls for the final day in the highly anticipated gubernatorial race. This incident follows a similar pattern from the previous year’s presidential election, where bomb threats targeted key battleground states. Notably, last year, Springfield, Ohio, also faced bomb threat hoaxes, linked to false narratives spread by Donald Trump about local Haitian immigrants.
Among the counties affected by the threats on Tuesday were Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic, as confirmed by New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. While some polling stations resumed operations, others redirected voters to alternate locations to ensure uninterrupted voting.
“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.
The FBI’s Newark office said it was aware of the reports and was assisting the state and local agencies.
Passaic County received three threats and redirected some affected voters to other locations early Tuesday, county spokesperson Lindsay Reed said in an email. One location, a school building, was cleared and voting had resumed.
Passaic is among six counties in two states where the DOJ announced last month it would send federal observers. The other five are in California, which is holding a special election asking voters to allow a redraw of the state’s congressional map as a way to counter Republican redistricting urged by Trump.
The DOJ was responding to requests from the Republican parties in each state, both of which are under Democratic control. The department said its goal in deploying the monitors was “to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.”
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Associated Press writer Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire, contributed to this report.
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