Turnout starting to pick up at some Jersey Shore voting sites; could it swing the results?
Marlboro residents trickle in to vote
3:44 p.m. - On the ballot are two slates of candidates running as teams. On the incumbent Democratic ticket is Mayor Jonathan Hornik with Councilman Michael Scalea and newcomer Iqleen Virdi. The Republican mayoral candidate is Feiby Dawod, who is joined by council candidates Renzo Kolenovic and John Russotto.
-- Olivia Liu
Ocean County voters using new voting machines
3:38 p.m. - The machines, from Election Systems and Software, are touchscreen that work just like your smartphone or an ATM machine at your bank.
The ballot itself appears on the screen in the same format as it did on the old machines.
However, before a voter enters the voting booth, they are given an elongated piece of paper by a poll worker. Once inside the booth, the voter slides the piece of paper into a slot on the side of the machine, which is then sucked into the machine like a dollar bill going into a vending machine –– but which remains visible to the voter.
Once the paper is in the machine, up comes the voter’s ballot on the screen. Voters then touch the names of their preferred candidates and ultimately push a green button (also touchscreen) at the bottom of the ballot to confirm their choices. The paper then prints the choices on the piece of paper and the touchscreen asks the voter to again confirm that the choices as displayed on the paper ballot are correct.
If all is correct, the voter then touches the cast button on the touchscreen and the paper ballot disappears into a lock box attached to the machine. If the choices are not correct, a voter can ask a poll worker for assistance.
The county Board of Commissioners purchased the new ES&S machines at a cost of almost $10 million earlier this year as part of a statewide move to transition to machines in which there is a paper ballot record of every vote.
-- Erik Larsen
Steady stream of voters in Freehold as votes are cast for 11th district state senator
3:05 p.m. - A steady stream of voters could be seen at iPlay America in Freehold Township in the early afternoon, where several township voting districts converged to cast their votes.
The district is part of the closely watched 11th Legislative district, which currently is split between a Democratic state senator, Vin Gopal, and two Republican state assemblywomen, Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner. If Republicans are to topple Gopal, who was re-elected by a small margin two years ago as his Democratic running mates in the district fell, they will need strong turnout in Republican-heavy towns such as Freehold Township.
Gopal has run a campaign the stresses his independence from Trenton Democrats. He is running against Republican businessman Steve Dnistrian of Colts Neck, while the Democratic assembly candidates are Dr. Margie Donlon of Ocean Township and former Asbury Park and Long Branch Municipal Court Judge Luanne Peterpaul.
-- Dennis Carmody
No wait to vote at Fire Department in Highlands
2:40 p.m. - There was no wait to vote mid-afternoon at the Highlands Fire Department polling place.
Earlier in the day, Highlands resident Allison Nonnemacher took to Facebook to ask for write-in votes for a one-year unexpired term on the Highlands Board of Education.
Nonnemacher is a mother of four children attending Highlands Elementary School. She holds a master’s degree in business administration and works as a server at Off the Hook Restaurant and Bar in Highlands.
No one filed a petition to run for the unexpired term.
-- Kathleen Hopkins
Major races shaping other states
2:22 p.m. - Kentucky: voters will decide whether Gov. Andy Beshear will receive a second term as a Democrat in a heavily Republican state.
Mississippi: Republican Gov. Tate Reeves is running for reelection against the cousin of legendary performer Elvis Presley.
Ohio: a constitutional amendment supported by abortion right groups is to be decided on.
Virginia: Democrats and Republicans are vying for control of the legislature by arguing the other party is wrong on their abortion stance.
Pennsylvania: voters will decide who will fill a vacant state Supreme Court seat that could play a major role on voting-related cases in the 2024 presidential campaign.
-- Robert Yoon, Associated Press
What district am I in?
Municipalities in Ocean and Monmouth counties are spread across six Legislative Districts. Check out the state's district map to find where your address falls.
Is Election Day a national holiday?
While Election Day is a big day nationwide, it is not a federal holiday, meaning most businesses and government services will run normally. Some state and local offices will be closed, though, as some state employees observe the civic holiday.
More: Is Election Day a federal holiday? Are banks, post offices, schools open? What to know
Is USPS open on Election Day?
Yes, the post office will remain open.
Is there mail delivery on Election Day?
The U.S. Postal Service will also deliver mail on Election Day, according to its holiday schedule.
Is DMV open on Election Day?
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission observes Election Day as a legal holiday, and all facilities will be closed Tuesday.
When do polls close?
Polls close at 8 p.m. in the Garden State.
Find out the big issue driving voters to the polls
11:17 a.m. - Taxes and the economy are the biggest concerns among New Jersey voters when deciding how to cast their ballots, according to a Rutgers Eagleton poll released on Election Day.
Forty percent of those polled named fiscal issues as most important to them.
“The culture wars redux we have seen this election cycle may sound nice in soundbites and mailers and may galvanize some in each party’s base and persuade some in the middle,” said Ashley Koning, an assistant research professor and director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University New Brunswick.
“But Democrats, Republicans and independents alike say they are most concerned about the economy, cost of living and taxes — and plan to vote with these issues in mind,” Koning said.
More than half a million ballots cast in New Jersey before Election Day
10:48 a.m. - Nearly 124,000 New Jerseyans cast ballots in person at polling places during the state's early voting period between Oct. 28 and Nov. 5. And nearly 407,000 voters returned absentee ballots through the mail and in person by Monday, according to an analysis by Ryan Dubicki, elections researcher for the Associated Press.
Of the 530,000 ballots cast before Election Day, Democrats tended to take advantage of early voting more than Republicans, turning in 320,000 ballots compared to the GOP's 127,000 and the 82,000 votes cast by voters unaffiliated with either party.
In Atlantic Highlands, voters head to the polls
9:52 a.m., Atlantic Highlands - Turnout in Atlantic Highlands for in-person voting was a little slow early Tuesday, one poll worker said.
The ballot includes a race for mayor between two current council members, Democrat Lori Hohenleitner and Republican James P. Murphy.
Residents also are selecting two council members. Running with Hohenleitner are an incumbent, Jon Crowley, and Alyson Forbes. Murphy’s ticket includes Ellen O’Dwyer Woods and Arthur V. Whitehead.
Atlantic Highlands also has uncontested races for the Henry Hudson Regional School District and the Atlantic Highlands School District.
Voters there were deciding on a mayor to replace
-- Michael Diamond
Justice Department monitoring elections in this N.J. county
8:56 a.m. - The Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several jurisdictions, including Union County, for the Nov. 7 general election.
Federal observers will monitor the election to observe the county’s compliance with the Voting Rights Act, the department said. Earlier this year, a federal court approved a consent decree to resolve the department’s claims under Section 203 and 208 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the availability of election assistance and materials in Spanish for Spanish-speaking voters with limited English proficiency in Union County. The consent decree authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in the county’s polling places.
Get ready to vote, New Jersey
It's Election Day, and polls are open today from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where to vote in NJ
Not sure where you're supposed to vote? No problem, we've got you covered. There are hundreds of polling places in the state, and each residential addresses has been assigned to a specific polling place. To find yours, use the state's Polling Place Search.
Stick with APP.com for live updates — day and night — on results, feedback from voters and more. The entire state Legislature is up for election, along with numerous local races.
But before you head to the polls, here's a rundown of what's at stake today:
NJ election: Why are so many local races uncontested?
Races to watch in Monmouth County
Republicans and Democrats both think they have a shot in the 11th Legislative District, where two years ago state Sen. Vin Gopal, a Democrat, hung on in a close election, but his Assembly running mates lost to Republicans Marilyn Piperno and Kim Eulner, creating an unusual situation in which Democrats and Republicans split who represents the district. This year Gopal is running against Republican Stephen Dnistrian, while Piperno and Eulner are running against Democrats Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul.
Marlboro Mayor Jonathan Hornik, a Democrat, is seeking reelection to a fifth four-year term, joined on a ticket by incumbent Councilman Michael Scalea and newcomer Iqleen Virdi. Virdi is running in the place of Councilwoman Randi Marder, who declined to run for reelection after 16 years in office. They are opposed by Republican mayoral candidate Feiby Dawod and council candidates Renzo Kolenovic and John Russotto.
Aberdeen voters will also face a stacked ballot with four incumbent Democratic committee candidates — Councilman Greg Cannon, Councilman Arthur Hirsch, Deputy Mayor Concetta Kelley and Councilman Robert Swindle — facing a Republican slate of Susan McGowan, Michael Olesen, Carl Zanchelli and Michael Vail. The six-member Aberdeen Township Council is under complete Democratic control, and has been for some time: A Republican hasn't won a municipal race in Aberdeen since 1994.
And in Eatontown, control of the evenly-split council is at stake. On the Democratic slate, Councilwoman Danielle Jones and Candace Faust are running for two full-term seats, opposed by Republican Councilman Mark Regan Jr., and Maria Grazia Escalante. Angela Brunelli and Sara Breslow are running as independent candidates. Republican Councilwoman Jackie Severinsen is running against Democratic candidate Carl Lawson for an unexpired seat on the council.
Ripping throats over politics? It keeps good people from getting involved.
On the county level, Republican Monmouth County Commissioner Ross Licitra is seeking reelection, joined on the ticket by Shrewsbury Mayor Erik Anderson, who would replace the retiring Commissioner Lillian Burry. They are opposed by Democratic candidates Alison DeNoia, who serves on the Colts Neck school board, and Arthur Schlossbach. Monmouth County has been under complete Republican control for over 15 years; a Democrat hasn't won election to a Monmouth County position since Amy Mallet won a seat on what was then called the freeholder board in 2007.
In Atlantic Highlands, Councilman James Murphy and Councilwoman Lori Hohenleitner are running for mayor. Hohenleitner is joined on the Democratic ticket by incumbent Councilman Jon Crowley and Alyson Forbes. Murphy is running alongside Republican council candidates Arthur Whitehead and Ellen O'Dwyer Woods.
Belmar Councilwoman Caitlin Donovan is running for reelection against Republican candidate Sean Patrick DiSomma.
The Fair Haven council election is a race of newcomers, with Republican candidates Melissa Lowry and Brian Olson facing Democratic candidates Michal and Neil Belcher. The two open seats are held by Councilwoman and Laline Neff and Councilman Christopher Rodriguez, the only Democrats on the six-member body.
Freehold Mayor Kevin Kane is running for reelection alongside a Democratic slate including incumbent Councilman Michael DiBenedetto and newcomer Jeffrey Friedman. They are opposed by Republican mayoral candidate Ricky Gartz, the borough’s former CFO, and council candidates Keith Bailey and Autumn Nonnenmacher.
Three candidates are running for two seats on the Holmdel Township Committee, including incumbent Committeeman DJ Lucarelli, currently serving as the township's mayor. He's joined on the Republican slate by Joseph Romano, who lost his bid for a committee seat as a Democratic candidate in 2020. They are opposed by sole Democratic candidate Kathleen Bauer, a retire Montclair State University professor. Longtime Committeeman Greg Buontempo declined to run for reelection.
Keyport Councilman J. Christopher Demarest and Jason Faltings are running on the Republican slate for two open seats on the council against Democratic candidates Heather Brady and Stephen Gross. Councilwoman Kathleen McNamara, a Democrat, is running for election to the remainder of her unexpired term on the council against Republican candidate Lauren Walker.
Manalapan Committee members Susan Cohen and Jack McNaboe, both Republicans, are running for reelection. They are opposed by a sole Democratic candidate, Benjamin Samara.
Middletown Township Committee members Ryan Clarke and Kimberly Kratz are running for reelection against Democratic candidates Rocky Rios and Paige Gregorio. A Democrat hasn't won in Middletown since 2007.
Neptune City Mayor Andrew Wardell, a Republican, is running for reelection against Democratic candidate Rachel McGreevy. McGreevy is running on a slate with incumbent Councilman Glen Kocsis and Pamela Renee, who are opposed by Republican newcomers Michael Kepler and Craig Morcom.
Sea Bright Mayor Brian Kelly is running unopposed, but incumbent Councilmen Jeffrey Booker Sr., and John Lamia Jr., are opposed by former councilman Marc Leckstein, who lost a reelection bid in 2021. Leckstein is the sole Democrat running for office in the borough.
Shrewsbury Borough Councilmen Jim Daly and Brendan Gilmartin, both Republicans, are running for reelection against Democratic candidates Russell Goldman, a former Shrewsbury school board member, and Alexander Howard.
Races to watch in Ocean County
Brick's mayoral race is possibly the biggest in the county, as the winner is ultimately who gets council control. Popular ex-Mayor John Ducey resigned earlier this year to accept a new job as a Superior Court judge, and Republicans see an opportunity in state Assemblyman John Catalano to gain a majority on the Township Council and defeat Mayor Lisa Crate, a Democrat.
Second to that is the race for Toms River mayor, where Republican Daniel Rodrick, who toppled the incumbent in the GOP primary this past June, is running against Democrat Ben Giovine.
The 9th Legislative District, which is likely to remain Republican, has two new faces in the election of Berkeley Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. in the Senate and Stafford Mayor Gregory Myhre in the state Assembly.
More: Lakewood Vaad backs Orthodox Democrat for Assembly seat
In another reliably Republican election, the 10th Legislative District could see the election of Point Pleasant Beach Mayor Paul M. Kanitra to the state Assembly.
In the 30th Legislative District — which straddles the boundaries of Monmouth and Ocean counties — a huge upset is possible. The Vaad, Lakewood’s influential group of Orthodox Jewish leaders, endorsed incumbent Republican state Sen. Robert Singer, a former Lakewood mayor, and Republican Assemblyman Sean Kean, but instead of backing Republican Assemblyman Edward Thomson, as they did two years ago, the Vaad has come out for Democratic challenger Rabbi Avi Schnall.
There will be a new face on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners to replace Joseph Vicari, who is retiring after more than 35 years on the board. Republican Frank Sadeghi and Democrat Roxanne L. Barnes are vying for the seat.
In Barnegat, incumbent Republicans Joseph Marte and Alfonso Cirulli are running against Democrats Charles J. Cunliffe and Ronald J. Naples.
In Beach Haven, incumbent Michael Battista is running against Michael McCaffrey for a one-year unexpired term in what is a non-partisan race in this Long Beach Island borough.
In Beachwood, Republicans Steven Komsa and Thomas Prince are being challenged by a single Democrat, Jennifer McCave, for one of two seats on the Borough Council.
In Berkeley, where Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. is leaving the mayor’s office at the end of the year there is a contest for his successor. Republican John A. Bacchione is running against Democrat Kia C. Phua. Additionally, there are three council seats in play. Republicans L. Thomas Grosse, Jr., Keith A. Buscio and Douglas Bowens are running against Democrats Mary K. Curtis, Thomas J. White, Jr. and Frank D. DeMaio, IV.
In Brick, Mayor Lisa Crate is being challenged for the township’s top job by state Assemblyman John Catalano, a Republican. Additionally, there are four Township Council seats contested. Democrats Vince Minichino, Derrick Ambrosino, Steve Feinman and Melissa Travers are being challenged by Republicans Mary Jonas Buckley, Theresa Gallagher, James Palmisano and Rocco Palmieri.
In Lacey, Republican incumbent Peggy Sue Juliano faces off against Democrat Kaitlyn Triano for the one seat in play on the Township Committee.
In Lakewood, five candidates are running for two seats on the Township Committee: Republicans Bruce Stern and Deborah Fuentes are running against Democrats Ray Coles (who is currently the mayor) and Jimmy Esposito. An independent candidate, Hershel Herskowitz, is also running for one of the seats.
In Little Egg Harbor, Republican incumbents Ray Gormley and John Kehm are being challenged by Democrats Lisa Stevens and Charles Griffin for two seats on the Township Committee.
In Waretown, Republican Mayor Kenneth Baulderstone is being challenged for a seat on the Ocean Township Committee by Democrat Rita Ann Kopacz.
In Ocean Gate, Republican incumbents Richard P. Zieser, Sr. and Mark Haug are being challenged by Democrat Dennis J. O’Leary, Jr. for one of two seats for full, three-year terms on the Borough Council. Republican incumbent James Fry is unopposed for an unexpired one-year term.
In Pine Beach, Republicans Richard “Ritty” Polhemus Lori Ann McGee are being challenged for one of two seats on the Borough Council by Eric Hess, an independent candidate.
In Point Pleasant, Republicans Valerie Coulson and Joseph Veni are seeking two seats on the Borough Council with challenges from Democrats Michelle Viggos and Wayne Martiak, and independent candidate Michael S. Permuko.
In Point Pleasant Beach, Republicans Arthur Gant, Sr. and Caryn Byrnes, are being challenged for one of two seats on the Borough Council by Democrat Lawrence Schwartz.
In Seaside Park, incumbent Republican Mayor John A. Peterson, Jr. is facing a challenge from Democrat Philip M. Nufrio. On the Borough Council, Republicans Joe Connor and Gerald S. “Jerry” Rotonda are being challenged for two seats in play by Democrats Thomas R. Joseph and Michael Spadafino. Republican Bill Kraft is unopposed for an unexpired one-year term on the council.
In South Toms River, Republican incumbents Ed Murray and Sandford Ross are being challenged by Democrats Gigi Esparza and Robert L. Hailey for two seats on the Borough Council. Republican Kayla Rolzhausen is unopposed for an unexpired, one-year term on the council.
In Toms River, Republican Councilman Daniel Rodrick is running for mayor against Democrat Ben Giovine. Republicans Thomas W. Nivison, Lynn O’Toole and Craig Coleman are running for three seats on the Township Council against Democrats Michele Williams, Rhetta Jackson-Fair and Ruby Franco.
In Tuckerton, Republican Councilmen Brian Martin and Keith Vreeland are seeking reelection against Democrat Robert Challender, Jr., who wants one of those two seats. Republican Councilman Michael E. Dupuis, Sr. is unopposed for an unexpired, one-year term on the council.
Legislative races by district
9th District: Atlantic, Burlington, Ocean counties
Municipalities: Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Bass River, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley, Eagleswood, Galloway, Harvey Cedars, Lacey, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach, Ocean Gate, Ocean Township (Ocean), Pine Beach, Port Republic, Seaside Park, Ship Bottom, South Toms River, Stafford, Surf City, Tabernacle, Tuckerton, Washington (Burlington)
State Senate 9th Legislative District: (vote for one) Carmen F. Amato, Jr. (Rep), Gabriel Franco (Dem)
General Assembly 9th Legislative District: (vote for two) Brian E. Rumpf (Rep), Gregory E. Myhre (Rep), Joseph Atura (Dem), Sally Collins (Dem)
10th District: Ocean County
Municipalities: Bay Head, Brick, Island Heights, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Manchester, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Toms River
State Senate 10th Legislative District: (vote for one) Jim Holzapfel (Rep), Jeff J. Horn (Dem)
General Assembly 10th Legislative District: (vote for two) John LaMacchia (Dem), Emma Mammano (Dem), Gregory P. McGuckin (Rep), Paul Kanitra (Rep)
11the District: Monmouth County
Municipalities: Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Long Branch, Neptune, Neptune Township, Ocean Township (Monmouth), Red Bank, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Tinton Falls, West Long Branch
State Senate 11th Legislative District: (vote for one) Vin Gopal (Dem), Stephen Dnistrian (Rep)
General Assembly 11th Legislative District: (vote for two) Margie M. Donlon (Dem), Luanne M. Peterpaul (Dem), Marilyn Piperno (Rep), Kim Eulner (Rep)
More: 11th District: All eyes on race between Sen. Vin Gopal, Stephen Dnistrian
12th District: Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean counties
Municipalities: Allentown, Chesterfield, Englishtown, Jackson, Manalapan, Matawan, Millstone (Monmouth), New Hanover, North Hanover, Old Bridge, Plumsted, Roosevelt, Upper Freehold, Wrightstown
State Senate 12th Legislative District: (vote for one) Brandon A. Rose (Dem), Owen Henry (Rep), Nina Jochnowitz (Independent)
General Assembly 12th Legislative District: (vote for two) Paul Sarti (Dem), Raya Arbiol (Dem), Robert D. Clifton (Rep), Alex Sauickie (Rep)
13th District: Monmouth County
Municipalities: Aberdeen, Atlantic Highlands, Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Keansburg, Keyport, Little Silver, Marlboro, Middletown, Monmouth Beach, Oceanport, Rumson, Sea Bright, Union Beach
State Senate 13th Legislative District: (vote for one) Lucille Lo Sapio (Dem), Declan O'Scanlon (Rep)
General Assembly 13th Legislative District: (vote for two) Paul Eschelbach (Dem), Danielle Mastropiero (Dem), Gerard Scharfenberger (Rep), Victoria A. Flynn (Rep), John Morrison (Libertarian)
More: Extra voting machines sent to Lakewood to accommodate big voter turnout for Election 2023
30th District: Monmouth, Ocean counties
Municipalities: Avon-by-the-Sea, Belmar, Bradley Beach, Brielle, Farmingdale, Howell, Lake Como, Lakewood, Manasquan, Point Pleasant, Sea Girt, Spring Lake, Spring Lake Heights, Wall
State Senate 30th Legislative District: (vote for one) Stephen Dobbins (Dem), Robert W. Singer (Rep)
General Assembly 30th Legislative District: (vote for two) Sal Frascino (Dem), Avi Schnall (Dem), Sean T. Kean (Rep), Edward H. Thomson (Rep).
Early voter turnout was so high in the township on Sunday that the Ocean County Board of Elections sent an additional early voting machine to address the volume and will send five extra regular machines to local polling places on Tuesday, said Chairman George R. Gilmore on Monday. Of the 11,383 county residents who opted to vote early in this election cycle, about 40% are registered voters in Lakewood, which is also the county’s most populous municipality, according to Ocean County Clerk Scott M. Colabella. To put that figure in perspective, early voters in Ocean County’s next two biggest towns — Toms River and Brick — accounted for just 10% each of the county’s total early voters.
County Board of Commissioners races
Ocean County Board of Commissioners: (vote for one) Frank Sadeghi (Rep), Roxanne L. Barnes (Dem)
Monmouth County Board of Commissioners: (vote for two) Alison DeNoia (Dem), Arthur Schlossbach (Dem), Erik Anderson (Rep), Ross Licitra (Rep)
School board races
Six candidates are running for three open seats on the Asbury Park Board of Education. Candidates include residents Craig DiPaola, Denise Nadel and Will Wright, running their own campaigns, and the trio of Wendi Glassman and board incumbents Giuseppe “Joe” Grillo and Anthony Remy, running as the "Support Asbury’s Children" ticket. Board President Carritta Cook is not seeking reelection.
For the first time in at least a decade, not a single candidate has filed to run for a seat on the Wall school board this year. Without any formally filed candidates, the three seats will go to the three write-in candidates with the highest votes, as long as they're qualified candidates and accept the position. If any of them decline to serve on the board, the position will be appointed by the county superintendent's office, an arm of the Department of Education.
Three seats are available on the Toms River Regional Board of Education. Incumbent Ashley Lamb is running on the "Vote Common Sense" slate with Diane Oxley, 69, a kindergarten teacher at Ocean Academy Charter School in Lakewood, and Paola Pascarella, 43, a veterinary technician at Northstar Animal Hospital. Running on the "For the Students" slogan are James Capone, 46, who owns Capone's Gourmet Pizza and Pasta House in downtown Toms River, and LeRoy Marshall, 43, a Lakewood police captain.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: More voters are now casting ballots in this key N.J. legislative contest
