Bomb Threats Disrupt New Jersey Election Day Voting in Seven Counties Amid Tight Gubernatorial Race

TRENTON, N.J. — November 4, 2025 — Hoax bomb threats emailed to polling locations across seven New Jersey counties forced temporary closures and voter relocations on Tuesday morning, casting a shadow over a fiercely contested gubernatorial election between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli.

State officials confirmed that non-credible threats, originating from overseas email accounts, targeted sites in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties — home to more than half of New Jersey's 9.2 million residents.

 Law enforcement swiftly deployed K-9 units and bomb squads, clearing locations within hours. By mid-morning, most affected polls had reopened, with voters redirected to nearby alternatives where necessary."Early this morning, law enforcement responded to threats received by email," New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement. "Some polling locations have already reopened; at others, voters will be directed to a nearby site. Make no mistake: We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere with our elections."

Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, the state's chief election official, echoed the reassurance: "Law enforcement has determined there are no credible threats at this time. We are doing everything in our power to protect voters and poll workers."

Specific disruptions included:

• Paterson (Passaic County): Heavy police presence outside School 10 and School 2; sites briefly evacuated but reopened by 9 a.m.

  
  

• Ridgewood (Bergen County): Threat at Somerville Elementary School deemed a hoax; voting resumed after sweeps.

  
  

• North Brunswick (Middlesex County): Livingston Park School closed temporarily, voters sent to alternates.

  
  

• Toms River (Ocean County): Email warned of a device near Cedar Grove Elementary's entrance, claiming "political purposes."

  
  

The incidents evoked memories of 2024 Election Day hoaxes in battleground states, where similar emailed threats delayed voting in minority-heavy areas.

 Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh suggested foreign origins, stating, "The threats appear to have come from out of the country."

Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, voting in Montclair, called it "an attempt to suppress the vote" but urged resilience: "New Jerseyans don't take kindly to tampering in our election system."

 Her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, who voted early, has not yet commented publicly, though GOP sources labeled the threats "desperate interference" in Republican-leaning turnout areas.

Polls show the race in a dead heat, with Sherrill's early-vote edge offset by expected Republican surges on Election Day.

 As of 11 a.m., turnout remained robust statewide, with officials extending hours if needed to accommodate delays.Federal monitors, deployed to Passaic County at Republican request, were on-site during the disruptions — a move Democrats decried as voter intimidation.

The FBI's Newark field office is assisting investigations. Authorities urge reporting suspicious activity to 911 or the state's homeland security tip line.

Voting continues until 8 p.m. "Do not let this deter you," Platkin stressed. "Cast your ballot — your voice matters."

This is a developing story. Check local county election offices for site-specific updates.

17GEN4.com