Today, June 10th is New Jersey primary election day. Go out and vote for Governor, General Assembly, County Commissioner and Township Committee.

Find your polling place here. Voting Questions? Call 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837)

Your Polling Place information can also be found printed on your sample Ballot sent out by your county.

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^{Click here to download the voter registration application for your county. Download the PDF below for Ocean County:}

HEED THE CALL OF THE ASKANIM

The Importance of Voting in Today’s Primary Election: A Crucial Moment for Our Kehilla

As voters head to the polls today, June 10, leaders and askonim within the Kehilla are emphasizing the critical importance of strong turnout. Politicians pay attention to communities that demonstrate voting power. When our Kehilla votes in large numbers, it draws focus from elected officials who then seek to support our needs and values. Historically, although our Kehilla is large in size, low voter participation has resulted in limited political attention and significantly less government funding compared to much smaller communities that consistently vote.

The formula is simple: when a community helps elect a politician, that politician becomes motivated to continue serving that community’s interests. A year and a half ago, our community showed its strength at the ballot box by electing a candidate aligned with our values, flipping a key election. Political analysts are now watching closely to see if that victory was an isolated case or the start of a powerful voting bloc that cannot be ignored.

Major political news outlets have confirmed that if the Orthodox Jewish community once again turns out in large numbers, it could decisively impact the outcome of this race. The potential benefits are immense. Millions of dollars in funding—already accessible to smaller towns that use their voting strength effectively—could be unlocked for our Kehilla if we show the same engagement.

This election carries even greater importance under the current federal administration led by President Trump. The administration is pursuing a strategy to reduce the size of the federal government, transferring control of several departments, including the Department of Education, to the states. This means the Governor of New Jersey will hold significant influence over education funding decisions, including allocations for special education, CHS programs, and other critical services affecting private schools. This gives the Governor direct impact over the future of our children’s chinuch.

On the Republican side, Jack Ciattarelli has emerged as a leading candidate and proven ally to the Kehilla. He is the clear frontrunner, and all registered Republicans are urged to support his candidacy.

The Democratic primary, by contrast, remains highly competitive with five candidates in the running. Several of these individuals have either openly expressed or demonstrated through their policy records a desire to challenge or restrict the current standards of chinuch in New Jersey—whether by altering funding policies or imposing new educational requirements that mirror or even exceed the troubling developments occurring in New York.

Congressman Josh Gottheimer stands alone among the Democratic contenders as a supporter of our community and our educational values. He has met with leaders from the Kehilla, voiced his backing publicly, and is the only Democratic candidate aligned with our interests who also has a legitimate chance of winning. It is therefore crucial that all registered Democrats—and those who are currently unaffiliated—cast their ballots for Josh Gottheimer.

Election statistics indicate that New Jersey typically leans Democrat in general elections, particularly when a Republican is in the White House. While Jack Ciattarelli has expressed strong support for our Kehilla, we cannot assume a Republican victory in November. Ensuring a Democratic nominee who supports our community is a vital hedge in securing our values and priorities.

Askonim across the state are coordinating with other Jewish communities who share these concerns, working to unify and grow a powerful voting bloc that can speak with one voice.

Voting Information:
All voters must go to their assigned polling locations.

• Registered Republicans may vote only in the Republican primary.
• Registered Democrats may vote only in the Democratic primary.
• Unaffiliated voters may choose either ballot, and all are recommended to vote in the Democratic primary for Josh Gottheimer.

Every vote matters. The strength of our Kehilla is in our numbers—now is the time to show it.