On November 3, 2020, residents of North Bergen, New Jersey, were shocked to find that their local polling place had been disrupted by an unexpected visitor. A predator had infiltrated the area, causing chaos and confusion among voters.
The incident took place at the North Bergen High School polling station, where voters had gathered to cast their ballots in the presidential election. According to eyewitnesses, a large predator had entered the building and began roaming the halls, causing panic among those present.
The predator was later identified as a coyote, a common species in the area. While coyotes are not typically aggressive towards humans, they can pose a threat to small pets and livestock. In this case, however, the coyote seemed more interested in exploring its surroundings than causing harm.
Despite the lack of immediate danger, election officials quickly took action to ensure the safety of voters. The polling station was temporarily closed while authorities worked to remove the coyote from the premises. Animal control officers were called in to capture the animal and relocate it to a more suitable habitat.
The incident highlights the importance of being prepared for unexpected disruptions during elections. While most polling places are equipped to handle issues such as power outages or equipment malfunctions, few are prepared for encounters with wildlife.
In North Bergen, election officials were able to respond quickly and effectively to the coyote incursion, ensuring that voters were able to cast their ballots without incident. However, other communities may not be as well-equipped to handle similar situations.
As such, it is important for election officials to have contingency plans in place for a wide range of scenarios. This may include protocols for dealing with natural disasters, power outages, or other unexpected events that could disrupt voting.
In addition, voters should be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or potential threats to election officials. By working together, we can ensure that our elections remain safe and secure for all citizens.
