Bomb Threats Briefly Disrupt Voting at Multiple NJ Polling Places; Officials Deem Emails Non-Credible

It is SAFE TO VOTE in New Jersey at any polling place. Please make your voice heard and do not let this news deter you. Law enforcement has secured all polling places.

NEW JERSEY - New Jersey election officials said emailed bomb threats caused temporary interruptions at some polling locations on Tuesday, Nov. 4, prompting brief closures or relocations while police searched buildings. The messages were sent to communities across the state and later determined to be non-credible, according to state officials. Affected counties included Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic.

Attorney General Matthew Platkin said police moved quickly to secure sites and keep voting accessible. 

“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. 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 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," said Attorney General Matthew Platkin.

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, the state’s chief election official, said law enforcement had found no credible threats and that agencies were coordinating to maintain a smooth and safe Election Day.

Local impacts varied by town and county. In Paterson, polling places at School 2 and School 10 were shut down while searches were conducted; voting resumed after brief interruptions. Ridgewood closed public schools for the day but kept polling places open with additional police presence. Other adjustments included temporary redirections at sites in Hackensack, North Brunswick, Avanel/Woodbridge and Lake Como/Belmar.

Paterson Mayor André Sayegh said the email threat named two school sites, both used for voting. 

“It’s an inconvenience,” Mr. Sayegh said. “Whoever is doing this is trying to disrupt this election. They’re trying to create a little chaos.” 

Mayor Hector Lora of Passaic said similar emails reached several North Jersey municipalities and appeared to originate from the same account. 

“Any delay in the voting process could discourage people from coming back,” Mr. Lora said.

Federal monitoring was also in place: the U.S. Department of Justice said it would observe polling sites in six jurisdictions nationwide on Tuesday, including in New Jersey’s Passaic County, to enforce federal voting-rights laws.

Tuesday’s threats echoed a pattern seen on Election Day in 2024, when multiple states reported bomb threats that were ultimately deemed hoaxes and caused limited disruptions. State officials noted the similarities as they moved to keep polling open and redirect voters where necessary.

What this means for local voters

• Morristown/Morris County: Morris County was not among the seven counties listed by state officials as having received emailed threats as of late morning Tuesday. Polls remained open statewide, with some locations elsewhere briefly relocated or reopened after sweeps.

• If your site changes: Voters at any affected location are being directed by county election officials to nearby polling places. Officials also urged the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.

Who/What/When/Where/Why/How:

• Who: New Jersey election officials, local police, U.S. Department of Justice, local mayors.

• What: Emailed bomb threats prompted temporary closures/relocations at some polling places; threats deemed non-credible.

• When: Morning of Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.

• Where: At least seven counties—Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, Passaic.

• Why: Motive unknown; officials described the threats as hoaxes.

• How: Police secured sites, reopened them after sweeps, or redirected voters to nearby locations; DOJ monitored in Passaic County.

No injuries were reported, and voting continued across New Jersey as authorities emphasized that ballots could be cast safely while investigations proceed.

Why voting matters — and how to do it safely

Voting is how residents shape everyday decisions about schools, taxes, transportation, and public safety. Local races are often decided by slim margins, so participation ensures your community is represented by people chosen by those who show up. 

Even when unexpected disruptions occur, election law and emergency procedures are designed to keep ballots accessible: polling places are staffed by trained workers, law enforcement secures locations, and if a site is closed, voters are redirected to an alternate location so voting can continue. If you arrive and see a posted change, follow the directions to the new site; poll workers can assist and ensure you receive the correct ballot. 

If you observe suspicious activity, report it to authorities on scene. For the latest location information, check your county election office before you go. 

The bottom line: you can cast a ballot safely and securely, and your vote directly influences how your town is run.

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