Bomb Threats Force Multiple New Jersey Voting Locations To Close On Election Day

Several polling sites across New Jersey were relocated on Tuesday following bomb threats and police activity, authorities said.

The incident unfolded as Garden State voters turned out for a heated governor’s race between Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. The latest Quantus Insights survey shows Sherrill with a narrow 49% to 46% lead over Ciattarelli, though the result falls within the poll’s margin of error.

“Early this morning, law enforcement responded to threats that were received by email involving certain polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties,” the state Office of the Attorney General said in a statement Tuesday morning. “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.”

Some sites have already reopened, while voters at other locations are being redirected to nearby polling places to cast their ballots, according to the attorney general’s office.

“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,” the statement continued. “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.”