Polling locations in New York City and New Jersey received threats on Election Day Tuesday morning.
Bomb threats targeted several New Jersey locations, while in Manhattan the NYPD and federal authorities investigated what police sources describe as an “elaborate swatting attempt” targeting three polling sites.
Polling locations in Washington Heights, the West Village and Midtown received messages through the NYC Board of Elections email system which contained threats of a “terroristic nature,” sources said.
There haven’t been any disruptions to voting in New York City as a result, police sources said.
New Jersey bomb threats
The threats in New York City come after police in New Jersey responded to bomb threats Tuesday morning at polling places in at least seven counties.
Those threats caused temporary closures at some polling locations, and even at schools in Ridgewood.
Lt. Gov. Tahesa Way, who serves as the state’s chief election official, said law enforcement investigated and determined “there are no credible threats at this time.”
“We 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. We encourage every eligible voter to exercise their right to vote before 8:00 p.m. today,” Way said in a statement.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was aware of the threats targeting polling locations.
“We are on it,” she wrote on social media. “This [Department] of Justice is committed to free, fair and safe elections.”
N.J. candidates react
New Jersey voters are casting the final ballots in the closely watched race for governor, between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Polls opened at 6 a.m. statewide, and will remain open until 8 p.m.
Sherrill reacted to the threats on social media, calling them a “clear attempt to undermine our democratic system and intimidate New Jerseyans from going to the polls to exercise their right to vote.” She urged voters “not to be deterred.”
A spokesperson for Ciattarelli told CBS News New York, “there’s no place in politics for nonsense like this.”
“Fortunately, first responders are doing a great job to ensure that everybody is able to resume voting quickly and safely,” the spokesperson continued.
Election Day bomb threats reported across northern N.J.
Village of Ridgewood Police staged in the area of Somerville Elementary School after the polling place was evacuated because of a bomb threat on Election Day in Ridgewood, New Jersey on November 4, 2025.
Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty Images
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said certain polling sites in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties all received threats via email Tuesday morning.
“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,” Platkin said in a statement. “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.”
Bergen County officials later shared an update, saying all polling locations were safe and open for voting.
“Bergen County law enforcement continues to investigate these incidents, which appear to be malicious, intimidation-driven acts intended to disrupt the democratic process,” county officials said in a statement. “Authorities have confirmed that there is no threat to public safety or to any polling place. Residents can be confident that law enforcement has taken all necessary steps to ensure polling sites remain safe and secure.”
Ridgewood, N.J. schools closed as precaution
Ridgewood Public Schools canceled classes for the day after a staff member at Somerville Elementary received a bomb threat via email at around 5:30 a.m.
“In consultation with the Ridgewood Police Department, out of an abundance of caution, and to allow our community resources to remain focused on keeping polls open, I made the decision to close schools for the day,” the superintendent said in a message to the community.
Police in Paterson and Ewing also confirmed they were investigating the bomb threats. Ewing Police said one threat targeted the poll site at Ewing High School, which is already closed for Election Day.
The Ridgewood superintendent added the district will be reviewing its policies around holding classes and elections on the same day moving forward.
New Jersey residents can report any suspicious activity to the NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness at 1-866-4-SAFE-NJ (1-866-472-3365) or at tips@njohsp.gov.
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