TLDR:
• FBI reports fake bomb threats
• Likely tied to Russian interference
• Georgia evacuates sites, resumes voting
WASHINGTON (The Thursday Times) — As Americans cast their votes in a high-stakes presidential election, the FBI has raised alarms over a wave of fake bomb threats at polling locations across several states. Initial investigations suggest the threats, though non-credible, are linked to Russian interference efforts. In Georgia, the false alerts briefly disrupted voting at key sites in the battleground state.
Bomb threats disrupt polling sites
The FBI disclosed that the bomb threats, received throughout Election Day, appeared to be coming from Russian email domains. None of the threats have been confirmed as credible, but the impact has nonetheless been felt, particularly in the critical state of Georgia. Two polling locations in Fulton County were evacuated and later reopened after authorities determined there was no danger. County officials are now seeking a court order to extend voting hours beyond the statewide 7 p.m. deadline to ensure all voters have their say.
Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, publicly blamed Russian actors for the Election Day disruption. “They’re up to mischief,” Raffensperger remarked, highlighting the ongoing threat of foreign interference aimed at destabilising American democracy. More than two dozen fake threats have targeted Georgia alone, most concentrated in the populous and politically crucial area of Fulton County. A senior official from Raffensperger’s office, speaking anonymously, stated that these email addresses have been linked to previous Russian interference campaigns.
Security concerns heighten tensions
The threats add to an already tense election environment marked by concerns over both foreign and domestic threats to the electoral process. Polling stations in key swing states, including Nevada and Arizona, are fortified with heightened security measures. In Phoenix, a security fence encircles the Maricopa County vote tabulation centre, which in 2020 became a focal point for election-related protests and conspiracy theories. Local law enforcement has also ramped up its presence, with drones and snipers prepared to respond to any signs of unrest.
Sheriff Russ Skinner of Maricopa County confirmed that law enforcement would maintain a “zero tolerance” policy for any disruptions or violence. “We will have a lot of resources out there,” Skinner said, stressing that his team is prepared to handle any escalation. Several polling sites, including schools and churches that previously served as voting centres, opted out of hosting polls this year, citing safety concerns.
Trump questions voting security
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump, donning his signature “Make America Great Again” cap, reiterated his scepticism over the security of electronic voting machines. Voting in Florida, he told reporters he would concede only if the election was “fair.” Trump has long advocated for traditional paper ballots, claiming they are more secure and that using them would lead to faster results. His campaign has suggested that he may declare victory prematurely, even as millions of ballots remain uncounted.
Trump dismissed concerns about post-election violence, insisting his supporters are not prone to unrest. “Of course there’ll be no violence,” he stated, bristling at suggestions to the contrary. Yet, his comments have done little to calm worries about potential disputes if the race remains unresolved for days. The prospect of an election marred by accusations, recounts, and legal challenges looms large, with control of both the White House and Congress hanging in the balance.
Historic stakes for presidency
This election, marked by unprecedented drama and shifting alliances, remains too close to call. Kamala Harris, aiming to become the first female, Black, and South Asian American president, has energised a diverse coalition of voters. Trump, the first president to be impeached twice and now facing a historic bid for non-consecutive terms, is relying on a loyal base that has weathered years of political storms.
Polls reflect a deeply divided nation, with each candidate leading in key demographics: Harris maintains strong support among women, while Trump continues to dominate among male voters. The race’s outcome is set to be determined in swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia, where voter turnout and tight margins could tip the scales.
Election security and fears of unrest have defined the final days, prompting pre-emptive measures to protect voters and polling places. In Nevada, where protests erupted four years ago, a steel barricade now stands around the Las Vegas tabulation centre. National Guard troops have been deployed or placed on standby in multiple states, prepared to respond to any threats that may arise.
With history waiting to be made, both sides remain on edge, and the world watches as America’s democratic process faces one of its greatest tests yet.