Threats Prompt Closures and Sweeps Across Multiple Counties
Authorities across New Jersey responded Tuesday to a series of emailed bomb threats targeting polling locations in seven counties as voters headed to the polls. State and federal officials confirmed that all affected sites were secured following law enforcement sweeps, though several locations were temporarily closed and others relocated to ensure voter safety.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the threats were received early in the morning and that police acted swiftly to investigate. “Voters should continue to have confidence that they can cast their ballot without fear of intimidation,” he said in a statement. “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.”
Platkin noted that while several polling sites reopened within hours, others remained under investigation. Voters in affected districts were redirected to nearby polling centers to cast their ballots.
Counties Impacted and Local Responses
Officials confirmed threats were sent to polling locations in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic Counties. Law enforcement agencies at both state and federal levels coordinated with local authorities to clear each site.
In Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh said polling stations at School 2 and School 10 were temporarily shut down after receiving threats. “Our first priority is the safety of voters and poll workers,” Sayegh said. “We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure voting can continue without disruption.”
Newark officials reported receiving phishing emails containing false bomb threats, including one targeting a site on Gotthard Street that was quickly deemed unfounded. In Hackensack, police said a high school employee reported an emailed threat shortly before 6 a.m., prompting a K9 sweep. The location was cleared and reopened by 7:33 a.m.
Ridgewood police also confirmed a bomb threat at Somerville Elementary School, leading to the closure of all Ridgewood public schools for the day, though voting continued under police supervision. In Middlesex County, officials closed Avenel Middle School due to “an active law enforcement investigation,” temporarily relocating voters to Woodbine Avenue Elementary.
Similar reports emerged from Lake Como and Passaic, where polling operations were redirected following precautionary evacuations. Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said local police “responded immediately to multiple reports” and that details were still being gathered.
Federal Oversight and Election Security
Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said federal authorities were monitoring developments in coordination with state and local agencies. “We will ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote today in a safe manner,” Habba wrote on the X platform. “We are monitoring with our state and local authorities.”
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security were also briefed, according to sources familiar with the response. Investigators are working to trace the origin of the threats, which early reports suggest may have come from spoofed or foreign-based email addresses.
Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that there is no evidence of explosives or credible danger at any of the polling sites so far, describing the threats as “disruptive but unfounded.” However, officials have urged vigilance as voting continues.
Election Context: A Tight Race in a Blue State
The threats coincided with an intense gubernatorial race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill, one of the closest contests in recent New Jersey history. Polls in recent days have shown the two candidates nearly even, with some surveys giving Ciattarelli a narrow lead — a notable development in a state long considered safely Democratic.
Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, has campaigned on issues such as tax reform and public safety, while Sherrill, a former congresswoman, has emphasized healthcare and education. The election outcome could signal broader voter sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Political analysts say heightened tensions in a close race may have contributed to the sense of urgency among law enforcement to maintain public confidence in the voting process.
Party Switch Highlights Shifting Local Politics
Amid the broader political shifts in the state, Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr. recently announced that he was leaving the Democratic Party to join the GOP, endorsing Ciattarelli’s campaign. Garnto cited dissatisfaction with state leadership and economic policy.
“For the last seven and a half years, [Gov.] Phil Murphy’s policies have left us with sky-high taxes, soaring electric bills, and less safe communities,” Garnto said during a campaign event in Garfield. “New Jerseyans deserve better. Jack Ciattarelli is ready to turn this state around.”
A former police union leader, Garnto said his decision reflects a growing trend of moderate Democrats shifting their allegiance amid frustration with current state policies. Trump carried Garfield by roughly nine points in 2024, while Murphy narrowly won it by three points in 2021, underscoring its swing-town status.
Ciattarelli has also touted the endorsement of Dover Mayor James P. Dodd, another Democrat, framing these defections as evidence of bipartisan support. “People are ready for change,” he said during a campaign stop this week.
Authorities Emphasize Calm and Continuity
Despite the early disruptions, election officials said voting across New Jersey continued smoothly by midday, with turnout described as steady. “Every eligible voter will have an opportunity to cast a ballot,” Platkin reiterated in an afternoon update.
Police presence remained visible at polling locations throughout the day, with officers stationed at entrances and parking areas as a precaution. Voters were encouraged to remain alert but not to alter their plans.
Experts on election security say the incidents highlight the challenges officials face in protecting public confidence amid a polarized climate and the proliferation of online threats. “Even false threats can undermine faith in the process if not handled transparently and swiftly,” said Rutgers University political science professor Dana Greenfield. “The coordinated response we’ve seen today is aimed at ensuring that doesn’t happen.”
Ongoing Investigation
As of Tuesday evening, investigators continued to review digital forensics tied to the threats. Officials have not disclosed whether any arrests have been made but confirmed that the FBI and New Jersey State Police are jointly leading the probe.
Authorities said they are considering whether the emails could be part of a larger pattern of election-related disruptions, similar to those reported in other states during previous voting cycles.
For now, law enforcement agencies are maintaining an elevated security posture across the state. “We take every threat seriously,” Attorney General Platkin said. “Our message to voters is simple: New Jersey’s elections remain secure, open, and safe.”
Sarah Mitchell is a bestselling novelist recognized for her insightful and emotionally resonant stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Sarah grew up in a family of teachers who nurtured her curiosity and love for storytelling. She studied psychology at Stanford University, where she became fascinated by the intricacies of human behavior—an interest that would later shape her writing career. Sarah’s novels are praised for their nuanced characters, intricate plots, and ability to capture the subtle tensions that define love, friendship, and family ties. Her breakthrough novel, The Spaces Between Us, became an instant bestseller, lauded for its honest portrayal of strained family relationships and the fragile bonds that hold people together. Since then, she has published several works that continue to captivate audiences around the world. Outside of her writing career, Sarah is passionate about mental health advocacy and often partners with organizations to promote awareness and support for those struggling with emotional well-being. Her personal life is quieter—she enjoys hiking in the Colorado mountains, practicing yoga, and spending time with close friends. With each new book, Sarah Mitchell cements her reputation as a writer who illuminates the beauty and struggles of human connection.
