New Jersey Election Bomb Threats: A Swift Response to Unfounded Threats
Law enforcement and election officials in New Jersey sprang into action on Tuesday to secure polling places after a series of bomb threats were made, which were later determined to be unfounded. The swift response ensured the safety of voters and poll workers, and the election continued without major disruptions.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who also serves as the state’s top election official, stated that the threats had been emailed to seven counties, including Passaic, a key swing county where the Department of Justice had sent election monitors. Way emphasized that “law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time” and that they 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.”
Background and Context
The threats came as the final day of voting began in the state’s closely-watched race for governor, a year after a series of bomb threats disrupted voting during last year’s presidential election, mostly in battleground states. Bomb threat hoaxes also circulated in Springfield, Ohio, last year after Donald Trump, during the campaign, amplified false claims of Haitian immigrants there abducting and eating pets.
The threats on Tuesday involved polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin. Some polling locations had already reopened to the public, while voters at others were being directed to nearby polling locations to cast their ballot. Platkin noted that “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.”
Response and Investigation
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, according to county spokesperson Lindsay Reed. 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.
Poll workers Shalanda Esserry, right, and Barbara Zackaroff, center, tape an American flag next to the entrance of a polling site in Garfield, N.J., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
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