Bomb Threats Close New Jersey Polling Centers As Voting Begins
Bomb threats across multiple polling locations in New Jersey on Tuesday temporarily disrupted in-person voting, prompting emergency sweeps, site closures, and relocations. State authorities say the threats were emailed to election sites in seven counties, forcing local law enforcement to secure buildings before allowing voters back inside.
Attorney General Matthew Platkin stated that law enforcement responded quickly and thoroughly, saying several affected polling stations have already reopened while others were temporarily moved.
“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. 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,” he said, New Jersey 12 reported.
Local officials in Paterson confirmed that School 2 and School 10 both received threats, while Newark authorities said phishing emails falsely claiming explosives led to temporary disruptions before being ruled unfounded.
In Hackensack, police received a similar emailed threat before dawn. A K9 sweep cleared the site, and polls reopened just after 7:30 a.m., according to New Jersey 12.
The targeted counties included:
– Bergen
– Essex
– Mercer
– Middlesex
– Monmouth
– Ocean
– Passaic
Acting U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba said federal officials are closely watching the situation.
“We will ensure all voters can exercise their right to vote today in a safe manner. We are monitoring with our state and local authorities,” she wrote on X.
In Ridgewood, a bomb threat prompted all public schools to close for the day, though school buildings remained open specifically to allow voting to continue. In Middlesex County, Avenel Middle School was closed during an “active law enforcement investigation,” and voters were redirected to Woodbine Avenue Elementary. Lake Como officials relocated their polling site following a similar threat, while Passaic Mayor Hector Lora confirmed additional incidents under review.
High-Profile Governor’s Race Tightens
The bomb threats come amid an increasingly competitive New Jersey gubernatorial race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill. Recent polling suggests Ciattarelli may be running even—or even slightly ahead—in a state Democrats have long dominated.
Momentum has also shifted with party realignment at the local level. Last month, Garfield Mayor Everett E. Garnto Jr.—leader of Bergen County’s fifth-largest municipality—announced he was leaving the Democratic Party and endorsing Ciattarelli.
“The state is broken,” Garnto said during a rally attended by hundreds. Criticizing the policies of former Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, he said: “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. New Jerseyans deserve better. Jack Ciattarelli is ready to turn this state around.”
Garnto also noted he supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Trump carried Garfield by nine points in 2024, a shift from the town’s narrow Democratic lean in the 2021 governor’s race.
Ciattarelli has also touted the support of Dover Mayor James P. Dodd, another Democrat who has broken with state party leadership—an indication of growing frustration among moderates with the direction of New Jersey’s Democratic establishment.