Bomb threats made against more than half of Minnesota county election offices, state says

Election offices in over half of Minnesota’s 87 counties have received bomb threats since Friday, Secretary of State Steve Simon said Tuesday.

Simon’s office said it has received reports from state, county and federal officials saying that threats were sent via email over the past few days. The office did not report which counties have been affected.

The threats come as election officials begin to meet for canvassing, recounts and post-election reviews — all routine processes to make the Nov. 5 election results official.

“Threats of violence against election workers, aimed at disrupting our democracy, are absolutely unacceptable,” Simon said in a statement. “Although Election Day is over, election officials across the state are continuing their work to verify that the election was free, fair, accurate, and secure. Over the next few weeks, counties will be canvassing the election, certifying election results, and conducting post-election reviews. “

The affected counties are responding to the threats in accordance with local policies and procedures, Simon’s office said.

“Our office is coordinating with local, state, and federal partners to respond and ensure that our election officials can complete this important work and that those responsible for these threats are held accountable,” he said.