TOMS RIVER – A voting location in Toms River was one of several that received threatening emails on election day, sources said.
Superintendent Michael Citta told JerseyShoreOnline.com that the threat was emailed to Cedar Grove Elementary School. It was a brief disruption, about 15 minutes, before it was re-opened.
Toms River schools were on a virtual day, he said. The students learn from home because the schools are voting locations. This has been an issue that local officials are trying to change.
“This is why we need our polling places moved,” Citta said.
Mayor Daniel Rodrick told JerseyShoreOnline.com that police and bomb-sniffing dogs went through the building and deemed it safe.
“The incident will be fully investigated,” he said. “I want to thank the Toms River Police Department and the Sheriff’s Department for their rapid response. It was a prank and voters can feel safe and secure to go to the polls and cast their ballots.”
It wasn’t just in Toms River. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a statement on social media that law enforcement responded to threats in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Passaic counties.
No danger has yet been found, and these emails are being considered just threats at this time.
“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,” Platkin said.
“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,” he said. “If you identify any suspicious activity, please report it immediately to law enforcement by calling 911.”
