South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department (OC Sheriff) is maintaining its commitment to the security of the election process and election workers. Collaborating with the Orange County Registrar of Voters (ROV), OC Sheriff ensures protection at ballot collection sites, escorts for workers with collected ballots, and security at the ROV office. A 24/7 uniformed presence is retained at the ROV from election night until vote certification on December 3.

On November 8, 2024, a bomb threat was emailed to a generic address at the ROV. The OC Sheriff and ROV decided to evacuate the building for safety reasons. This took place at 6:45 p.m., shortly before the usual end time for vote counting. Observers and staff were moved to different locations on campus. The OC Sheriff's Hazardous Devices Section conducted a thorough search and found no incendiary devices. Ballots remained secure under deputy guard throughout the night until counters and observers returned.

An investigation by OC Sheriff's North Investigations unit is ongoing regarding the bomb threat's origin. Preliminary findings suggest it originated from an overseas server, affecting multiple counties simultaneously. Information gathered will be shared with local and federal authorities.