Two polling locations in Mercer County received bomb threats early in the morning on November 4th, Election Day. The threats, deemed noncredible by officials, were targeted at Ewing High School and Hedgepeth-Williams Elementary School in Trenton, the latter less than two miles from Mercer’s JKC campus.
Patrol officers and K-9 units received word of the emailed threat around 5:00 A.M. and immediately responded, searching the building and finding no cause of suspicion.
These threats came among others targeted at polling places in counties throughout NJ, including Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic Counties.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way released a statement regarding the incident saying, “We are aware of threats made to several polling locations in New Jersey. Law enforcement has determined that 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”.
In a press release, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said, “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.”
He continued, “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.”
He also said that law enforcement officers were working hard to secure polling locations and ensure the safety of voters. The West Windsor Police did not respond to requests for comment.
Mercer County Executive Dan Benson said in a public statement, “The false threats made against polling locations in Mercer and other counties were a shameful and cowardly attempt to disrupt the exercise of free and fair elections.”
Coming out of a polling booth, Mercer County resident Najeeah Ragland, 46, said, “I did hear about it [the bomb threat]. It made me a little leery but I was gonna still come out and vote.”
She also mentioned she felt safe voting at the polling location. “One of the reasons I think it’s [voting is] important is to help keep our constitution going, freedom of speech for everyone, and to protect our laws.”
A West Windsor resident and election observer, Tom Calabria, said of the atmosphere at a polling place: “[It’s] subdued. You don’t have the vibe in the air like you do with the presidential election.”
He added, “All I can do is keep my fingers crossed and– I don’t pray because I’m an atheist– but hope for the best.”
