New Jersey Gubernatorial Election Sees Surge in Early Voting, Democrats Hold Advantage
In the first few days of early in-person voting, voter turnout has surged in New Jersey, with more than 160,000 voters casting their ballots. This surge has led to an advantage for Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill over her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, with registered Democrats outpacing Republicans by about 5,000 votes.
The early tallies also show a significant increase in mail-in ballots cast by Democrats, with the party returning 200,000 more mail-in ballots than Republicans. This advantage was lower for Democrats at this stage in the 2021 gubernatorial election, when Sherrill's campaign said the lead was around 167,000.
The race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli has been closely watched as a national bellwether before next year's congressional elections, with most polls showing Sherrill in the lead. However, only by a few points against Ciattarelli, who came within about 3 points of spoiling Gov. Phil Murphy's re-election run in 2021.
As Election Day approaches on November 4, early-voting tallies could shift, but experts say that if Sherrill's lead holds, it would be difficult for Ciattarelli to overcome the advantage. Dan Cassino, professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, stated that the latest polls show both candidates consolidating their parties' voters behind their respective candidacies.
The New Jersey Republican Party has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process in Passaic County, sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for federal monitors on Election Day. The county's Republican attorney, Jason Sena, accused the state attorney general's office of being "incapable of prosecuting these matters," citing two examples from 2014 and 2020 where county residents were indicted over alleged voter fraud.
The Department of Justice announced that it would send federal observers to Passaic County on Election Day in response to Sena's request, despite the possibility that their presence could affect in-person voting. Experts warn that even discussions of the federal government at polling places could serve to depress turnout and give Democrats a reason to worry.
In the first few days of early in-person voting, voter turnout has surged in New Jersey, with more than 160,000 voters casting their ballots. This surge has led to an advantage for Democratic nominee Mikie Sherrill over her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, with registered Democrats outpacing Republicans by about 5,000 votes.
The early tallies also show a significant increase in mail-in ballots cast by Democrats, with the party returning 200,000 more mail-in ballots than Republicans. This advantage was lower for Democrats at this stage in the 2021 gubernatorial election, when Sherrill's campaign said the lead was around 167,000.
The race between Sherrill and Ciattarelli has been closely watched as a national bellwether before next year's congressional elections, with most polls showing Sherrill in the lead. However, only by a few points against Ciattarelli, who came within about 3 points of spoiling Gov. Phil Murphy's re-election run in 2021.
As Election Day approaches on November 4, early-voting tallies could shift, but experts say that if Sherrill's lead holds, it would be difficult for Ciattarelli to overcome the advantage. Dan Cassino, professor of government and politics at Fairleigh Dickinson University, stated that the latest polls show both candidates consolidating their parties' voters behind their respective candidacies.
The New Jersey Republican Party has raised concerns about the integrity of the election process in Passaic County, sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for federal monitors on Election Day. The county's Republican attorney, Jason Sena, accused the state attorney general's office of being "incapable of prosecuting these matters," citing two examples from 2014 and 2020 where county residents were indicted over alleged voter fraud.
The Department of Justice announced that it would send federal observers to Passaic County on Election Day in response to Sena's request, despite the possibility that their presence could affect in-person voting. Experts warn that even discussions of the federal government at polling places could serve to depress turnout and give Democrats a reason to worry.
. I mean, I get why people want to vote early if they can't make it to the polls on Election Day, but 160,000 votes already? That's a lot of people! And the fact that Democrats are ahead by like 5,000 votes is pretty significant.
It's always a bit concerning when there are allegations of voter fraud, but it sounds like the Department of Justice is doing its job by sending observers.
I'm feeling kinda uneasy about this whole thing. Early voting is a good thing, but let's not get it twisted - these numbers are looking pretty skewed in favor of Sherrill. 5k more votes than Republicans? That's wild. And mail-in ballots? Come on. It sounds like Democrats are outsmarting the system again 
. I'm trying to stay neutral here, but it's hard not to wonder if there's some sort of partisan influence at play. The fact that Republicans are accusing Democrats of voter suppression? Yeah, that just smacks of election drama 
. What do you guys think is going on in Passaic County? 
. I hope they don't bring federal monitors to Passaic county though that could get messy and honestly depress turnout, it feels like we're already seeing the impact of those kinds of things in other elections...anyway can't wait to see how the rest of the campaign plays out! 
, early voting is always a wild card. I think it's crazy how Sherrill is pulling ahead by 5k votes already 
. But it's always hard to predict election day turnout... fingers crossed for a good outcome 
early voting numbers are crazy! mail-in ballots too 
200k more for Dems, talk about an advantage 
but can she keep it up till election day? still got a few weeks to go 
hope the Republicans don't try anything shady