Primary Day is June 8, 2021 - Should I Bother To Vote??

Tuesday June 8th is Primary Day in New Jersey!

Unlike the November election, primary voting is being done in person at your regular polling station, unless you have previously requested a Vote-By-Mail ballot. If you don't know where your polling station is, you can find it here: https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-polling-location.shtml  or here https://evesham-nj.org/government/forms/clerk/clerks-office-documents/485-voting-districts/file

Only registered voters affiliated with a political party can vote in the primaries. If you are not affiliated with a party, you can declare party affiliation up to and including on Primary Election Day. By voting in either party's primary, you become a member of that party. More information on who can vote can be found here: https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/562/Voting-on-the-Primaries


The most important vote taking place is on the Republican side, as primary voters will decide who will take on Phil Murphy in November to be governor of New Jersey. All other races on the Republican side, along with all the races on the Democrat side, have candidates running unopposed.


If most of the candidates are running unopposed, why bother voting?

I asked that question to our local parties, the Evesham Township Democratic Party and the Evesham Republican Club. Here are their responses about why you should vote despite candidates being unopposed:

Christie Dacarolis, Vice-Chair of the Evesham Democratic Committee

"It’s important that Democrats still show up on Primary Election Day to show support for our strong slate of candidates. Even though the primary elections are unopposed this year, we need to show not only that we are paying attention to these races , but that we are enthusiastic about re-electing Phil Murphy, turning the 8th district blue, and supporting our great County Commissioners this November. Democrats should use this as an opportunity to showcase the massive turnout we expect in November."

 Andrew Wilson, Chair of the Evesham Republican Club:

“It’s critically important for Republicans to take the opportunity to get out and vote on Tuesday - not only to select a Gubernatorial candidate, but to select a number of other candidates on the ballot - even those running unopposed. In fact, the simple act of casting a ballot can be beneficial in ways that many people may not realize.

For example, taking the time to vote in a primary helps to make parties and candidates aware that you are an active voter - which can influence anything from voter turnout efforts to campaign phone calls. Taking the time to vote (even in an uncontested election), helps to show candidates what levels of support they may be receiving from voters which can be critical when preparing for a general election.

Additionally, taking the time to vote can prevent voter registrations from being classified as “inactive” which can cause unexpected complications when trying to vote again - especially for those choosing to use Vote by Mail ballots.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, voting is an opportunity to make your voice heard and participate directly in your government. I encourage all Republicans to make time on Tuesday to go cast a ballot and support their candidates at all levels!”

 

I don't intend for this post to endorse any candidate or party, nor do I particularly want a political discussion to ensue. I am only trying to encourage people to vote.  If you see anything incorrect, please let me know!

Should you want further information from a particular party, you can reach out to them on their Facebook pages at the links below:

Evesham Township Democratic Party

Evesham Republican Club

Like my Facebook Page to get the latest posts - A View From Evesham.  You can email me at MarltonNeil@yahoo.com.