New Jersey Polling Places Forced to Close Amid Bomb Threats During Election Day

By Newsmax Wires | Tuesday, 04 November 2025 10:56 AM EST
Multiple polling places across New Jersey were forced to close or relocate Tuesday following a series of bomb threats, disrupting Election Day voting in several communities, according to reports.

The closures were temporary in some cases, according to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “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,” Platkin wrote in a statement posted to X. “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.”

Platkin emphasized collaboration with law enforcement partners, stating, “We are grateful to the brave law enforcement officers and the dedicated poll workers who are working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety, and we are coordinating closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners. 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.”

In Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh confirmed that polling locations at School 2 and School 10 were temporarily shut down after threats were received. In Newark, public safety officials investigated phishing emails containing false bomb threats but noted a reported threat on Gotthard Street was unfounded. In Middlesex County, Avenel Middle School was closed due to an active law enforcement investigation, with voters redirected to Woodbine Avenue Elementary School. A polling site in Lake Como was also relocated after a similar threat, and Passaic Mayor Hector C. Lora confirmed additional threats in his city. Authorities at the state and local levels continue to investigate, with election officials emphasizing that voting remains ongoing at alternate sites.

Newsmax writer Eric Mack contributed to this report.