Voting Starts September 19. Are We Ready?

For generations, Americans thought of Election Day as exactly that: a day. You learned about the candidates, followed the campaign through the fall, made your decision, and went to the polls in November. But, that is no longer how elections work.

Here in New Jersey, mail-in ballots for the November 3rd General Election begin going out on approximately September 19. That means some Bernards Township residents could cast their votes more than six weeks before Election Day.

By the time many people traditionally begin paying close attention to a local election, some of their neighbors may have already voted.

This is not a small change in the way we elect our leaders. Fundamentally this changes the campaign calendar and, more importantly, the responsibility each of us has as a voter.

According to the MIT Election Lab, voting by mail has grown substantially over the past several decades. In 2024, approximately 29 percent of American voters cast their ballots by mail or absentee ballot. MIT also notes that expanded vote-by-mail access can modestly increase participation by making voting easier and more convenient.

Since, convenience has value, people work, families are busy, seniors may have difficulty getting to the polls, and members of our military may be far from home, there are many perfectly legitimate reasons someone may choose to vote by mail.

But MIT also raises an issue that deserves more attention: when people vote weeks before Election Day, they may cast their ballots before all of the information about a campaign has emerged.

A candidate's position may be questioned. A new proposal may be introduced. A major issue may arise in town. Candidates may debate. Important information about taxes, spending, development, public safety, schools, or state mandates may come to light.

Someone who has already voted cannot reconsider that decision. That does not mean people should not vote early. It means people who choose to vote early should make sure they have done their homework first.

Local elections deserve that homework because Township Committee races may not receive the television coverage of presidential or congressional campaigns, but the decisions made at Town Hall can have a direct impact on our daily lives and our community.

Before you vote, ask questions:

Where does each candidate stand on taxes and spending?

How will they approach development and affordable housing mandates?

What are their priorities for public safety?

How will they respond when Trenton imposes policies that may not be in the best interests of Bernards Township?

What do they believe the proper role of local government should be?

And perhaps most importantly, have they earned your trust?

Those questions should be answered before the ballot is filled out, whether you vote on September 19, during early voting, or at your polling place on November 3.

New Jersey voters have several options this year. Mail-in ballots begin going out September 19. The voter registration deadline is October 13. In-person early voting runs from October 24 through November 1. Election Day is November 3.

Use whichever voting method works best for you. But please do not confuse voting early with deciding early. Take the time to learn about the people asking to represent you. Read what they have written, attend events, watch meetings, and ask difficult questions. Look beyond slogans and social media posts!

An informed electorate is essential to good government. The voting calendar has changed, but our responsibility as voters has not.

Voting starts September 19. Bernards Township should be ready.

Paul Humbert

Candidate for Bernards Township Committee