Bomb threats, which law enforcement later said were a hoax, briefly disrupted voting at multiple polling locations in seven New Jersey counties on Tuesday as ballots were being cast for New Jersey’s next governor in one of the nation’s most closely watched races.
The contest between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill is one of only two U.S. gubernatorial contests taking place in this off-year election and has attracted widespread national media attention. In both New Jersey and Virigina – the other state which is holding a gubernatorial election – affordability issues have taken center stage.
Secretary of State Tahesha Way, who serves as the New Jersey’s chief election official, said the emailed bomb threats had been sent to multiple polling stations in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic counties.
“Law enforcement has determined that there are no credible threats at this time,” Way said late Tuesday morning. “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.”
Attorney General Matthew Platkin said law enforcement officers responded to each affected polling place and had “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," Platkin said. “At others, voters will be directed to a nearby polling location to cast their ballot.”
Polls in New Jersey will remain open until 8 p.m. for eligible voters who have not yet cast their ballot. In addition to the race for governor, 80 Assembly seats are also up for election.
The New Jersey and Virigina elections are seen as political bellwethers because they are the first major state elections since President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Ciattarelli has Trump’s endorsement, while on Saturday former President Barack Obama flew into New Jersey to personally stump for Sherrill at a Newark rally.
Ciattarelli, who is making his third run for governor and only narrowly lost to Gov. Phil Murphy four years ago, is a businessman and former Assemblyman. Sherrill is a former naval officer who has represented New Jersey’s 11th District in Congress since 2019.
According to an analysis by the nonpartisan Vote Hub, more than 1.3 million New Jerseyans have already voted by either mail or in-person at machines during New Jersey’s early voting period that opened before Election Day.
New Jersey Business Today will provide breaking news updates on the outcome of the election after the polls close.
