Home Part of States Newsroom
News
Michigan voting precincts targeted by Russian-connected bomb hoaxes

Share

Michigan voting precincts targeted by Russian-connected bomb hoaxes

Nov 05, 2024 | 4:50 pm ET
By Jon King
Michigan voting precincts targeted by Russian-connected bomb hoaxes
Description
Michigan State Police | Susan J. Demas

Multiple bomb threats have been reported at voting precincts in Michigan, with all of them deemed to be non-credible.

The FBI urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to state or local law enforcement, or submit tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.

That was the word from Michigan secretary of state spokesperson Angela Benander during a 3 p.m. media briefing on the status of voting across the state.

“Can confirm that we have had reports of some bomb threats at a few polling locations. They were all investigated and confirmed to be non-credible,” said Benander. “As far as Russia ties, we have been notified that that is what they believe has happened, that they’ve come from Russia, that they’re swatting attacks, and that they are all non-credible. And there’s no concern for safety at those polling places because they’ve been cleared by MSP (Michigan State Police).”

Benander could not provide specific locations or how many precincts were affected.

Similar bomb hoaxes were also reported at precincts in Georgia, as well as Maine, with the FBI issuing a press release.

“The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains. None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far,” stated the release “Election integrity is among the FBI’s highest priorities. We will continue to work closely with our state and local law enforcement partners to respond to any threats to our elections and to protect our communities as Americans exercise their right to vote.”

MSP spokesperson Shanon Banner told the Michigan Advance that these threats are being taken seriously. 

In Michigan, voters can have confidence that all levels of government – local, county, state and federal – are working together to safeguard polling and other election-related locations. We’ll be continuing to monitor for any safety concerns throughout the day,” said Banner.

Meanwhile, a precinct in Northville had to be relocated following a gas leak. Benander said that as soon as Bureau of Elections became aware of the issue at Precinct 1 at the Community Center on Main Street, and were notified that the precinct had to be closed, they worked immediately to contact the local clerk’s office, work with the precinct, and relocate to Hillside Middle School until the issue is resolved.

Otherwise, Benander said their field team reports indicate “solid, steady, enthusiastic,” voting across the state. 

“Lots of happy people, lots of happy voters except for the ones that didn’t get stickers. But as we mentioned earlier, those will be available at Secretary of State branch offices for people to pick up starting tomorrow because the … offices are closed for the state holiday, which is Election Day,” said Benander.

As for updated numbers, as of 3 p.m., there were 3,379,252 total votes received, including absentee and early votes. That represents 46.3% of active Michigan registered voters. 

However, that number does not include voters casting ballots in-person today.

Benander said that they have so far received 2,164,803 absentee ballots, which is 92% of the total that were requested.

She also said that 58,466 of those absentee ballots were returned just since polls opened this morning at 7 a.m.. Also, same day registrations stood at 9,612.