Multiple Bomb Threats Disrupt Voting Across Seven Sites in DeKalb County, Georgia, as Authorities Conduct Sweeps to Ensure Safety; Voting Hours Likely to be Extended to Protect Citizens’ Right to Vote Amidst Threats on Election Day”
DeKalb County, GA — On Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the electoral process in DeKalb County, Georgia, was severely disrupted by bomb threats targeting seven locations, including five active voting precincts. In response to the potential threats, the DeKalb County Police Department has launched an immediate and comprehensive security sweep across all affected sites. This series of bomb threats comes at a critical time, as voters head to the polls to cast ballots in key races.
In addition to the police response, local officials, including DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond and Voter Registration & Elections (VRE) Executive Director Keisha Smith, have vowed to uphold the community’s right to vote despite the interruptions, calling on all available resources to restore operations safely. This report delves deeply into the events as they unfold, examining the immediate response by law enforcement, the potential impact on voter turnout, the broader implications for election security, and efforts to safeguard democracy in the face of threats.
Bomb Threats Unfold: Locations and Immediate Response
The bomb threats were reported at seven distinct sites throughout DeKalb County, including both active voting precincts and non-precinct locations. The targeted sites comprise high-traffic venues essential to the local voting infrastructure, making the threats particularly disruptive. The specific precincts affected include:
- New Bethel AME Church – 8350 Rockbridge Rd., Lithonia
- New Life Community Center – 3592 Flat Shoals Rd., Decatur
- North DeKalb Senior Center – 3393 Malone Dr., Chamblee
- Reid H. Cofer Library – 5234 Lavista Rd., Tucker
- Wesley Chapel Library – 2861 Wesley Chapel Rd., Decatur
In addition to these precincts, threats were also made against the Stonecrest (Old Sam’s Club) and the Salem Panola Library at 5137 Salem Rd., Lithonia, which are not functioning as polling sites but still hold significance within the community. The wide distribution of the threats has posed a logistical challenge for the DeKalb County Police Department, which has dispatched bomb squads to each location to conduct thorough sweeps and ensure the safety of all personnel and voters present.
Ensuring Safety and Voting Rights Amid Bomb Threats
In the immediate aftermath of the threats, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond addressed the public, affirming the county’s commitment to protecting every citizen’s right to vote. “Every asset that we have will be deployed to ensure that every citizen who wants to vote will be given that opportunity and every vote cast will be counted,” Thurmond said. His statement underscored the county’s unwavering dedication to maintaining both safety and electoral accessibility amidst unprecedented disruption.
Keisha Smith, Executive Director of DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections (VRE), echoed Thurmond’s commitment, stating, “Rest assured that we are working quickly to ensure every voter will have an opportunity to cast their ballot despite these bomb threats.” The VRE has been coordinating closely with law enforcement to expedite security clearances, while also exploring legal avenues to secure emergency extensions to voting hours if delays persist at the affected precincts.
As a precaution, voting operations at these five polling sites have been temporarily suspended. Voters at these locations are urged to stay informed through county announcements and official channels as they await clearance for the safe resumption of voting. County officials have stressed the importance of patience and understanding as law enforcement works diligently to ensure each site is secure.
Emergency Extension of Voting Hours: Legal and Logistical Preparations
To mitigate the potential impact on voter turnout, the DeKalb County Law Department is actively seeking an emergency court order that would extend voting hours at the impacted precincts. This order, if approved, would provide additional time for voters affected by the disruptions, ensuring that all residents have a fair chance to participate in the electoral process.
Georgia state law provides certain allowances for extending voting hours in cases where circumstances—such as weather emergencies, power outages, or other unforeseen events—impede access to polling sites. The county’s law department, in collaboration with VRE officials, is preparing a formal request that outlines the significant interruption posed by the bomb threats. County Attorney Lisa Carlton confirmed that her office is working expediently, adding, “We are doing everything in our power to uphold the rights of our voters while prioritizing safety above all else.”
Political Context and the Broader Implications for Election Security
The bomb threats in DeKalb County are part of a larger, troubling trend of threats against election infrastructure that has emerged in recent years. This incident marks the most extensive disruption to voting in the county since the 2022 midterm elections, where polling locations in other parts of the country faced similar threats and attacks on Election Day. Georgia, a battleground state, has been a focal point in several contentious elections, and today’s threats reflect the heightened political tensions that have surrounded its voting processes.
Election security experts have voiced concerns over the increasing frequency of threats directed at polling sites. According to Dr. Samuel Levine, a political scientist and election security analyst, “The targeting of voting precincts with bomb threats is a disturbing tactic aimed at suppressing voter turnout and undermining public confidence in the electoral system.” Dr. Levine noted that while security protocols have improved since the previous election cycles, the persistent nature of these threats indicates a need for even more robust preventative measures.
Impact on Voter Turnout: Concerns and Resilience
The bomb threats have sparked apprehension among voters in DeKalb County, particularly at a time when turnout is expected to be high. Despite the initial delays, many citizens have expressed determination to cast their ballots, undeterred by the threats. Local organizations, community leaders, and public figures have rallied to encourage continued participation, emphasizing that intimidation tactics should not dissuade citizens from exercising their democratic rights.
Jessica Hayes, a volunteer with the nonpartisan group “Vote Georgia Strong,” shared that her team has been actively reaching out to voters, assuring them that every possible safety measure is being taken. “We want every eligible voter to know that their vote matters and that their voice is crucial. We urge voters to stay engaged and to plan accordingly as the situation unfolds,” Hayes said.
Social media has become a vital tool for communicating updates, with DeKalb County Voter Registration & Elections and local news outlets sharing real-time information about the status of each affected polling site. County officials have also established hotlines and online resources to provide clear guidance and reassurance to voters.
Heightened Security Measures at Voting Sites
In the wake of the bomb threats, security has been ramped up not only at the affected sites but also at other polling locations across DeKalb County. Police presence has been visibly increased, with patrols stationed at high-traffic voting centers to deter any potential disturbances. The county has coordinated with state and federal agencies, including the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance monitoring and response capabilities.
All DeKalb polling sites have received additional guidance on emergency protocols, and election officials have been trained to handle scenarios that could threaten voter safety. Officials are equipped to execute evacuation procedures swiftly if necessary and to redirect voters to alternative polling locations when warranted.
Community and Political Reactions
The reaction from community leaders and local politicians has been swift, with figures from both sides of the political spectrum condemning the bomb threats and emphasizing the need to protect democratic processes. Governor Stacey Abrams released a statement expressing solidarity with the residents of DeKalb County and condemning any attempt to interfere with voting.
“Every Georgian deserves to vote without fear, and we will not allow intimidation to undermine the sacred right of our citizens to participate in our democracy,” Abrams said. Other state representatives and officials have echoed similar sentiments, reiterating that law enforcement and election officials are working together to maintain order.
Community organizations and activist groups have also organized voter support efforts, providing information on alternative voting methods, such as absentee and early voting options. They are additionally coordinating transportation services for voters who may face challenges accessing their polling locations.
The Role of Technology in Ensuring Election Integrity
In the aftermath of the threats, DeKalb County has leveraged its technological resources to ensure accurate and timely information reaches the public. The county’s online voter portal and hotline have been instrumental in keeping voters informed about precinct status and potential delays. Additionally, DeKalb County has partnered with cybersecurity experts to safeguard its voting systems against any potential hacking attempts, an area of concern for officials given recent cyber threats to election infrastructure across the country.
The integration of robust digital tools has been crucial in maintaining communication and transparency, reducing confusion among voters and helping officials respond effectively in real time.
Ensuring Access to Polling Sites: Efforts to Minimize Impact on Vulnerable Voters
For many in DeKalb County, voting is a deeply held civic duty, and disruptions on Election Day disproportionately affect voters with limited access to transportation, flexible schedules, or alternative voting options. To mitigate these challenges, local nonprofits and advocacy groups have mobilized to assist voters in need. The “DeKalb Votes” coalition, a grassroots organization dedicated to expanding access to voting, is providing transportation, language support, and voter protection resources to assist those who may be hindered by the day’s events.
By reaching out to community centers, libraries, and other gathering places, these organizations are playing a critical role in ensuring that every voice is heard, despite the logistical challenges imposed by the bomb threats.
