US election: Bomb threats and printer glitches disrupt voting in battleground states
Voting was disrupted by bomb threats and technical problems in at least four US battleground states on election day, according to officials.
The FBI said on Tuesday evening it is “aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains”, adding that they have all been deemed “non-credible” so far.
In the swing state of Pennsylvania, which carries the most Electoral College votes of all the battlegrounds, courts approved up to an hour extra voting time after bomb threats briefly stopped ballots being cast.
Ten polling stations in Georgia‘s Fulton County were subject to threats, with two closed and evacuated for 30 minutes on Tuesday morning.
Bomb sweeps were also carried out by police at four polling stations in DeKalb County, Georgia, with voting briefly suspended before staff were given the all-clear to return.
Follow live: Democracy tops voter concerns – initial exit poll
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Key swing states explained
Georgia’s secretary of state Brad Raffensperger echoed the FBI, saying most of the threats appeared to have been sent from Russia.
“They’re up to mischief, it seems. They don’t want us to have a smooth, fair and accurate election, and if they can get us to fight among ourselves, they can count that as a victory,” he said.
The Russian embassy in Washington denied any claims of interference, describing such allegations as “malicious slander”.
“We would like to emphasise that Russia has not interfered and does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, including the United States,” it said. “As President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stressed, we respect the will of the American people.”
In Apache County, Arizona, polls were allowed to stay open until 9pm local time – two hours after the original deadline – following bomb threats.
Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s Democratic secretary of state, said four bomb hoaxes had been delivered to polling stations in Navajo County, but they did not disrupt polling there.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro sought to assure people in his state the fake bomb threats posed “no threat to the public”.
Temporary polling station in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Pic: Reuters
Meanwhile in North Carolina, two counties suffered technical problems, according to the state’s board of elections.
Gardners School precinct in Wilson County reported a printer issue that saw voting suspended between roughly 6.30am and 8am, local media said.
A computer issue was also reported at Burke County Pilot Mountain voting precinct.
The US election is expected to be decided on the results in seven so-called battleground states: North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada and Arizona.
North Carolina and Georgia originally sought permission to extend polling hours beyond their original deadlines – but Sky’s partner network NBC News later confirmed both states would close on time – by 7.30pm EST (12.30am UK).
Voters were still allowed to cast their votes for a short period after that – but the polls were declared officially closed statewide.
Voters wait to cast their ballots in Navajo County, Arizona. Pic: AP
More security threats in other battleground states
Bomb hoaxes were also reported in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Ann Jacobs, head of the Wisconsin Election Commission, confirmed two polling stations in the state capital of Madison were sent bomb threats – but neither stopped people casting their votes. She did not know of any Russian involvement.
Officials had feared disruption in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene caused devastation there last month – but authorities reported “minimal problems” aside from the minor technical glitches, with temporary precincts set up in tents in the worst-affected areas.
The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said
The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.
Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.
The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
The King and Joe Biden at Windsor Castle in July 2023. Pic: Reuters
The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.
US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.
“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”
Read more: Biden diagnosed with ‘aggressive’ form of prostate cancer
Barack Obama (right) with Joe Biden at a campaign event in 2022. File pic: Reuters
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.
“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.
After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.
Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.
“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Mr Biden’s diagnosis: What we know
Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”
Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.
Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.
Read more from Sky News:
UK and EU sign reset deal – live updates
Gary Lineker to leave BBC next week
Listen to The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim every Wednesday
Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.
Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.
-
Sports3 years ago‘Storybook stuff’: Inside the night Bryce Harper sent the Phillies to the World Series
-
Sports1 year agoStory injured on diving stop, exits Red Sox game
-
Sports2 years agoGame 1 of WS least-watched in recorded history
-
Sports2 years agoMLB Rank 2023: Ranking baseball’s top 100 players
-
Sports4 years ago
Team Europe easily wins 4th straight Laver Cup
-
Environment2 years agoJapan and South Korea have a lot at stake in a free and open South China Sea
-
Environment2 years agoGame-changing Lectric XPedition launched as affordable electric cargo bike
-
Business3 years agoBank of England’s extraordinary response to government policy is almost unthinkable | Ed Conway