Polling places remain safe as law enforcement announces email threats

Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated that law enforcement officers responded to emailed threats targeting polling places in seven New Jersey counties this morning, but emphasized that all impacted sites have been secured and that voting remains safe and uninterrupted.

Platkin confirmed that threats were received early this morning in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties. He said officers “worked swiftly to secure these polling locations and ensure the safety of every voter.”

“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. At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.”

Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, who is New Jersey’s Secretary of State, said law enforcement determined that these were non-credible threats.

“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.  “We encourage every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote before 8:00 p.m. today.”

U.S. Attorney Alina Hanna said her office “will ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote today in a safe manner.”

“We are monitoring with our state and local authorities,” Habba said.

The New Jersey Globe first reported a little before 8 AM that these were non-credible bomb threats coming from foreign email accounts.

“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,” stated Platkin. “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.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon called a video of law enforcement activity outside a Paterson school that doubles as a polling place “deeply concerning.” The video was posted by Billy Prempeh, a Republican congressional candidate in New Jersey’s 9th district.

Way said the Division of Elections, working with the Office of the Attorney General and the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, is coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to help county election officials respond. She said county election officials are relying upon their discretion and continuity of operation plans to make safety changes to protect voters and secure our elections; she said that includes temporarily relocating polling locations if needed.