Bomb Threats Disrupt Voting in DeKalb County, Emergency Order Extends Polling Hours

DeKalb County election officials faced a serious threat on Election Day as multiple bomb threats disrupted the democratic process at several polling locations. According to DeKalb County’s official news release, seven sites received threats, including five election precincts and two other locations. DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond stated, “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.”

The DeKalb County Police Department conducted bomb sweeps at the affected locations, which include New Bethel AME Church, New Life Community Center, North DeKalb Senior Center, Reid H. Cofer Library, Wesley Chapel Library, a closed Sam’s Club site in Stonecrest, and the Salem Panola Library. As an immediate response to the threats, voting at these sites was suspended. “Rest assured that we are working quickly to ensure every voter will have an opportunity to cast their ballot despite these bomb threats,” DeKalb VRE Executive Director Keisha Smith said in a statement obtained by the DeKalb County.

In light of these disruptions, the county’s Law Department sought an emergency order to extend voting hours at the affected locations, ensuring voters would not be disenfranchised by the incidents. This move was made to accommodate any delays caused by the temporary suspension of activities and to preserve every individual’s right to vote amidst the chaos.

An air of determination to protect the electoral process was palpable, with law enforcement and election officials working in tandem. Once clearance was given by the DeKalb Police, voters were allowed to return to the facilities to cast their ballots, underscoring a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the vote. The promise extended—every citizen who wanted to vote, would indeed have that chance, no matter the intimidation attempted.

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