US election security concerns: Bomb threats, fraud claims, protests spark anxiety
Bomb threats and protests shake US election day as voters face disruptions, November 6, 2024. (Collage by Mehmet Akbas/Türkiye Today)
On November 5, 2024, Americans faced a tense election environment as bomb threats, fraud claims, and protests created disruptions across several key states.
Security concerns and misinformation dominated the day, although officials reported that voting proceeded with limited interference overall.
Bomb threats, security concerns disrupt voting across multiple battleground states
On election day, several bomb threats targeted polling places in key battleground states, causing temporary evacuations and delays.
The FBI noted that many of these threats appeared to originate from Russian email domains, raising concerns about potential foreign interference. Authorities across the states acted swiftly to address the security concerns by securing polling sites and, in some cases, extending voting hours to accommodate the delays.
Verified incidents include:
- Georgia: In Fulton County, 32 polling locations received bomb threats, leading to the brief evacuation of five sites. Voting resumed after police confirmed no credible security concerns or threats. DeKalb County faced similar issues, with multiple polling places briefly closed as a precaution. Officials sought a court order to extend voting hours for these areas.
- Pennsylvania: A bomb threat forced the temporary closure of an administrative building in Clearfield County, where ballots were being counted. Governor Josh Shapiro assured voters that “every legal, eligible vote will be counted accurately,” emphasizing that the threats posed no real danger.
- Arizona: Polling sites in Navajo County reported bomb threats, prompting local authorities to increase security. Voting hours were extended by two hours in some locations, especially those serving the Navajo Nation, where long lines and technical malfunctions were already causing delays. State officials later confirmed that no credible threats were found.
- Michigan: Several polling locations reported bomb threats and security concerns. Authorities determined these threats to be non-credible, allowing voting to continue as planned. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson noted that the threats may be linked to foreign domains.
- Wisconsin: Two polling sites in Madison received bomb threats, which did not interfere with the voting process. Wisconsin Election Commission Chair Ann Jacobs confirmed that officials secured the sites and allowed voting to continue.
Despite the security concerns and disruptions, voting proceeded smoothly across these states, with local officials ensuring that none of the threats impacted the integrity of the election process.
Trump pushes unsubstantiated fraud claims on social media
Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, repeatedly claimed on Truth Social that there was “massive cheating” in Philadelphia and Detroit, echoing rhetoric from 2020.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner rejected these allegations, calling them “wild” and “baseless.” Krasner stated, “If Donald J. Trump has any facts to support his wild allegations, we want them now.”
Detroit officials faced similar allegations from Trump. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson clarified that no special law enforcement presence had been deployed to polling sites, directly refuting Trump’s claims.
Social media platforms were filled with misinformation throughout Election Day. False posts alleged that Philadelphia would not complete its vote count on time, and a related rumor claimed voting machines in Milwaukee were unlocked.
In Milwaukee, election officials confirmed they re-verified and recounted ballots to maintain transparency. “The issue posed no threat to the vote count,” said Jeff Fleming, a city spokesperson.
Partisan observers, security measures raise concerns over voter intimidation
In Philadelphia, some conservative activists monitored polling stations, attempting to document voting machine details.
- Election officials removed several observers after they tried to record serial numbers of machines, an act seen as intimidating by local officials
- In response, police increased security outside several polling sites, especially in contested regions.
Authorities implemented strict security protocols at polling sites, including the use of panic buttons and barriers, to prevent disruptions.
Bucks County resident Eleanor Boyle, 77, voiced her security concerns, saying, “I’m very worried that there could be violence,” recalling the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Despite her apprehensions, Boyle maintained confidence in Pennsylvania’s election process.
Protests in New York City condemn both parties on election night
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Midtown Manhattan on election night, voicing discontent with both major parties in the presidential race.
The demonstration, organized by pro-Palestinian activists, sought to draw attention to U.S. foreign policy and ongoing conflicts abroad, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank. Here are the key points of the night:
- Setting and atmosphere: The protest took place under the towering buildings of JP Morgan and News Corp, creating a dramatic backdrop. Organizers chanted and played music, with participants showing high energy and emotion despite the serious messages conveyed.
- Criticism of both parties: Protesters condemned both Democratic and Republican candidates, arguing that the U.S. remains complicit in conflicts impacting Palestinians. One organizer, Nerdeen Kiswani, criticized the notion of “the lesser evil,” calling the election a “farce” and stating, “We should be charging them with war crimes.”
- Focus on Gaza and West Bank violence: The demonstration highlighted recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the West Bank, where dozens of Palestinians were reportedly killed. Organizers aimed to remind Americans that U.S. policies in the region would continue regardless of the election’s outcome.
- Public response and turnout: The gathering attracted a diverse crowd of activists, many of whom voiced frustration with American foreign policy. Some participants expressed a belief that neither candidate would bring meaningful change to issues affecting Palestinians.
The protest reflected a deep-seated dissatisfaction among certain voter groups, who see both parties as aligned with foreign policy issues.
Organizers emphasized that they wanted to make their voices heard on election night, challenging both candidates to recognize the impact of U.S. actions abroad.
Officials prepare for potential unrest as vote certification approaches
With the election nearing completion, officials anticipate further challenges and security concerns as the certification process and inauguration day approach.
Capitol Police released a report noting heightened concerns over potential violence during the certification of electoral votes in January. The report cites an increase in inflammatory rhetoric on social media, raising the risk of politically motivated violence.
Capitol Police expect large demonstrations targeting both the certification and inauguration processes. They also warn that some groups, regardless of the election outcome, may attempt to disrupt these events.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported no significant incidents affecting election infrastructure but cautioned that foreign disinformation efforts might continue post-election.
