Two polling places in Fulton County, Georgia, were temporarily closed on Tuesday due to 'non-credible' bomb threats. The Etris Community Center and Gullatt Elementary School in Union City were the affected voting locations. The closures were brief, lasting about 30 minutes each, as reported by local news station 11 Alive.
Fulton County police responded promptly to the threats by closing the polling places temporarily. The Fulton County Department of Registration & Elections is taking steps to ensure that these polling locations can remain open for the same duration as the temporary closure.
During a press conference, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger revealed that the threats were believed to be 'of Russian origin.' He expressed concern over potential interference in the election process, emphasizing the importance of a smooth, fair, and accurate election.
Raffensperger highlighted the malicious intent behind such threats, suggesting that foreign entities like Russia aim to sow discord and disrupt the electoral process. He cautioned against underestimating the impact of external interference and urged vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the election.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by external actors seeking to undermine democratic processes. Authorities are working diligently to address security concerns and ensure that voters can exercise their rights without fear of intimidation or disruption.