What's the Deal with Voting on Nov. 3rd?

Wow, I can't believe I haven't posted since July 4th! A lot has been going on since then which I'll fill everyone in on at a later time. But for now, people have been asking me, what's the deal with voting on election day? So let me try and explain as best I can. Keep in mind, this information is Middletown specific but for the most part it is similar throughout Monmouth County and the State.

So here's the deal that everyone must know and understand ... the polling locations will be open on Nov. 3rd and there will be 10 locations available in Middletown where residents can vote. There are 46 voting districts in Middletown, so each of the polling locations will hold multiple districts within. It should be noted however, that if anyone goes to a polling location to vote in-person they will be asked to fill out a paper provincial ballot, which will be counted after all other ballots are counted.

From what I understand there will be 1 voting machine per location (not district), which may or may not be the case. In order for someone to vote by machine, that person must be disabled and unable to psychically fill out a paper ballot. That person must also sign an affidavit claiming that they are in fact disabled. If it is found that they aren't disabled, they can be prosecuted for voter fraud.

Be aware that the mail-in ballots can be taken to the polling locations on Election day to be handed in. However, the person handing in their ballot will need to sign the "book" and show ID at that time. The ballot may then be treated as a provisional ballot and not be counted until all other votes are counted.

Locally, the best bet is to drop off ballots at a dropbox located at either Middletown Town Hall, Middletown's Croydon Hall, the Hazlet DMV location or any other location within Monmouth County.

If people prefer to mail their ballots via USPS the ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3rd and received no later than Nov.10th ... the sooner they are mailed the better.

There is also an option to vote in person anytime at the Monmouth County Board of Elections (and Clerks office, I think).

I hope that answers everyone's question.

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UPDATE 10/20:

There is still a little confusion regarding mail-in ballots that are delivered to the polls on Election Day. Those ballots will NOT be treated as provisional ballots and counted after all other ballots. They will however be the last mail-in ballots counted before provisional ballots are counted.

Before provisional ballots are counted the local Board of Elections must certify those that filled out provisional ballots on Election Day, did not also mail-in a ballot previously. Provisional ballots will be crosschecked with mail-in ballots to ensure that no one votes twice.... MM

Get Out & Vote

It's Election Day

Today is the day that many of us have been working towards. Let's make it a success and get out there to vote.

Vote by Mail Ballots

Busy on Election Day? Request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot!


Anyone can vote by mail, and for any reason at all! Request your Vote-by-Mail ballot today to lock your vote in early without any of the hassle of Election Day polls!

CLICK HERE to visit the County Clerk's Election Website for more information on Vote-by-Mail ballots, and to print your own application at home. You can also stop by the Monmouth County Democratic Committee Headquarters to pick up a copy.

Every vote matters, and we want your voice to be heard! Don't wait; request your Vote-by-Mail ballot today!

Applications must be received by the Clerk of Elections via mail 7 days prior to the election. Hand delivered applications will be accepted up until 3pm the day before the election.

Scharfenberger To Seek 13th Assembly Seat

I'm a little late to the party on this one but I just have to give my thoughts on the matter.

It was reported on the Middletown  Patch (and other places) this past Monday, that Middletown's appointed mayor Gerry Scharfenberger,plans to seek a seat in the NJ State Assembly for District 13 and made his intentions known on his Facebook page.  It was also reported that current Monmouth County Freeholder Serena Dimaso and Fair Haven Councilman Bob Marchese will also be seeking that seat. The three will face off against each other during the June Primary to see who will run against the eventual Democratic nominee.

The Assembly seat that the three are vying for will either be Assemblywoman Amy Handlin's seat or Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon's. Both are seeking the party nomination to succeed retiring Monmouth County Senator Joe Kyrillos, in the NJ State Senate.

I knew that when Joe Kyrillos announced that he wasn't seeking reelection that someone on the Middletown Township Committee would be looking towards Trenton.

 At the time, I personally thought that it would have been Tony Fiore, seeing how he's a co-chair for the Monmouth County Republicans and may have been looking for a venue change. However, I changed that opinion recently when Scharfenberger's buddies on the Township Committee reappointed him mayor during Reorganization day on January 1st.

It's always been the M.O. of the Middletown Republicans to appoint those that are seeking reelection as Mayor or Deputy-Mayor, which would have made either Stephanie Murray or Tony Fiore, the ones to fill those positions. It was in fact Murray this time who was appointed Deputy-Mayor and Scharfenberger who was appointed mayor. I suppose it's more impressive if you give the impression that you are the appointed elected mayor of Middletown, seeking higher office rather than just a sitting Committeeman.

That being said, here is my primary day prediction; Gerry Scharfenberger will bee seeking Amy Handlin's seat in the Assembly. I think both Handlin and Scharfenberger will win their primary campaigns easily. The reason is simple; nearly a third of all registered GOP voters in the 13th District are from Middletown! That's one hell of an advantage for anyone seeking election in the 13th to overcome.

November 21, 2016 Middletown Township Committee Meeting

Last week's Middletown Township Committee meeting was brief and sparsely attended, which was to be expected. It was the first meeting since Election Day and Thanksgiving was just days away.

Here are a few brief highlights:

• A presentation was made to recognize the library for receiving a Readers Choice Award from the Asbury Park Press.
• Two proclamations were presented, but no recipients came forward to accept them.
• An ordinance was introduced to add names of veterans to the street naming list.
• A resolution was authorized to amend resolution 16-210 to submit an open space grant application for $167K to be matched with Township funds to erect a lighting system at the Nut Swamp School artificial turf field.
• Another resolution was adopted to award a contract for Ideal Beach Improvements.

Public Comments begin at 20:01 of the video and included comments about deficiencies at the Lincroft Village Green Park, expanding parking lot at the Middletown Library and the reopening of satellite branches of the Middletown Library, the progress of the new municipal complex being designed and what's being done to address the flood insurance requirement maps for North Middletown and the Ideal Beach area as it pertains to the new levy system being built in Port Monmouth.



As always, you can download a copy of the Meeting Agenda that contains the discussion items and the proposed resolutions and ordinances that were voted on or presented during the meeting. A box around an item is a link, bringing you further into the document to that resolution or ordinance. At the end of the resolution there will be a link bringing you back to the agenda. Attached to this agenda is also the monthly bill list, so that everyone can see how the Township is spending our tax dollars.

Be An Election Day Superhero And VOTE...

... I did

NJ Watchdog: Tuesday's election won't solve state's fiscal woes

New Jersey’s statewide election on Tuesday is unlikely to break the governmental gridlock that threatens the state’s fiscal future.

On ballots, voters won’t find contests for any of the 40 seats in the Senate, where Democrats enjoy a 24 to 16 majority. Also not up for grabs is the governorship as Chris Christie hangs onto that office while pursuing the Republican presidential nomination.

Instead this odd-year election features races for the 80 spots in the Assembly, where there is a 47 to 31 Democratic advantage with two seats vacant.

In each chamber, the Democrats have enough of an edge to control all legislation, but they lack the two-thirds supermajority needed to override Christie’s vetoes without Republican help.

“I’ve vetoed 400 bills from a crazy liberal Democratic legislature,” boasted Christie during the September GOP debate on CNN.

As the two sides feud, the clock continues to tick toward an alarming catastrophe.

The debt for public employee pension and health benefits has reached a whopping $194.5 billion, according to a New Jersey Watchdog analysis of State Treasury records.

Meanwhile, the results of Tuesday’s election may be akin to rearranging deck furniture on the Titanic. A few seats may switch in the Assembly, but voters won’t get a chance for a full change – Senate, Assembly and Office of the Governor – until November 2017.

By then, it may be too late. At its current rate of growth, the debt for benefits would exceed $225 billion.

The full story is online at http://watchdog.org/245101/nj-election-fiscal-woes/.

Voter Registation Deadline October 13th

Election Day is fast approaching, if you're a New Jersey resident and not registered to vote yet here in  Middletown or elsewhere, the Oct. 13th deadline will be here before you know it.


Middletown Public Information:


The deadline is fast approaching for those wishing to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election. Registration must be completed by Tuesday, Oct. 13, 21 days prior to Election Day.

Residents can register in the Township Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, located at 1 Kings Highway Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Residents may also register at the Monmouth County Voter Registration Office, 300 Halls Mills Rd., Freehold Township, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Tuesday, Oct. 13 the office will remain open until 9 p.m.

To register by mail, download the New Jersey voter registration application from the Township Clerks section of the website.

A driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number must be entered on the New Jersey Voter Registration form. In order to register to vote, you must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. Citizen by the General Election on Nov. 3.

Contact the Township Clerk's Office at 732-615-2014 for more information.

Monmouth Democrats Received Column "A" For Just 5th Time In Past 36 Years.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
8/10/2015

The Following is a Statement from the Monmouth County Democratic Organization

"Today, the Democratic Party received Column A for just the 5th time in the past 36 years.
As of today, the Republican Party has received Column A in 31 out of the last 36 general elections - which means that the Republican Party has won Column A, 'by chance', roughly 86% of the time.

Our team of attorneys were present today to make sure that the Democratic Process was handled fairly and impartially against incredible statistical odds - odds which a Monmouth University mathematics professor said was 'almost impossible' back in 2012.

We appreciate the cooperation of the County Clerk's office, who also had their County Counsel present, in making sure that the process was conducted impartially and fairly. We are confident that the process this year was fair and impartial."

TODAY IS BALLOT DRAWING FOR NOVEMBER GENERAL ELECTION

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2015



Republicans have won the first spot roughly 90% of the time. According to the Asbury Park Press in 2012, statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million.

FREEHOLD - Today in her capacity as County Clerk, prominent Monmouth County Republican Christine Hanlon will hold a drawing to determine the ballot position for the Democratic and Republican Party candidates in the upcoming November General Elections. This election will be held on November 3rd. Hanlon was Vice Chair of the County Republican Party until her appointment by Government Chris Christie earlier this year. After questions and criticisms about the process were raised in recent years, the Monmouth County Democratic Organization will be keeping a close watch as the positions are drawn.

During the ballot drawing, two capsules are used, one with the Democratic Party name and another with the Republican Party. The names are drawn from a box to determine where the parties will be placed on the ballot. To date, the Monmouth County Republicans have won the coveted first ballot position 31 of the last 35 general elections, roughly 90% of the time.

"We will have attorneys and supporters ready today to inspect the capsules and ensure that the ballot drawing today is fair," said Vin Gopal, Chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party. "Questions have been raised about the statistical probability that the same party win first ballot position so many years in a row," Gopal continued. "In the interest of upholding our democratic process, we will be keeping a close watch on the drawing."

In October of 2012, the Asbury Park Press reported on the County's ballot drawing process, noting that "the party has won the draw for the first ballot position in 30 of the last 33 general elections - statistically nearly impossible odds. Statisticians say the probability of that happening purely by chance in a random drawing - which is the process required by state law - is less than one in 1.5 million." The cover page story entitled "Are Monmouth County Republicans Cheating" raised red flags for county residents.

To read the Asbury Park Press Article, please click the following link http://archive.app.com/article/20121007/NJNEWS/310070041/Monmouth%20County%20ballots

"Rumors about questionable tactics have surrounded the ballot process. For instance, apparently refrigerating one of the capsules allows the clerk to choose the colder one and give preference to his or her own party. While it is my sincere hope that our new County Clerk will handle this process with professionalism and integrity, our attorneys will be watching closely - just to be sure."

Gopal indicated that the party will be prepared to file a complaint with the county prosecutors office if any inappropriate activity is suspected. It is imperative that the sanctity of the Democratic process is preserved and protected.

The ballot drawing will take place at 3:00pm at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold.

More Silly Sign Wars: BOE Candidates Signs Stolen By Out Of Towner

I've driven all around Middletown over the past couple of weeks noticing campaign signs, I mean they are so prevalent, how can you miss them? On more than one occasion I've noticed campaign signs missing from locations where just a short hour or so ago they where in place. In the silly game of sign wars which takes place in Middletown every year, it's not uncommon for campaign signs to go missing or have idiots sandwich one sign in-between two opposing signs.  Usually the signs that go missing or are being sandwiched are Democratic signs. Very seldom if ever are the Republican signs played with.

Now as election day is upon us, I get an instant message from a friend claiming that the infamous sign wars have spread to candidates for the Middletown Board of Education. Apparently last night a man from Toms River was arrested for stealing and destroying signs of incumbent BOE member Sue Griffin:

"Hey Mike I wanted to reach out to you to see if you could contact Sue Griffen who is running for BOE today...last night a man was arrested in Middletown for stealing and destroying Sue's campaign signs all over Middletown. He was from Toms River, so we aren't sure who asked him to do this or why he would. As you know I follow and work with the BOE regularly and Sue really is one of the good guys from what I see...I think she was hoping you might report something on this...Thanks so much."

At this time, all I can say about this is, it doesn't surprise me. Since the Board of Education elections became politicized last year by moving the BOE elections from April to November, this nonsense was bound to happen. May concern however, much like my friends, is who put this person from Toms River up to coming all the way to Middletown to do this?

I don't have time to track down any more info on this today, I'm busy doing my thing trying to get Democrats elected. But if anyone has anything they wish to add please leave it in the comments.

Now go out and VOTE!!    

Your Vote Matters....

Watch Joan Jett Get Out The Vote For Women's Rights!

Moveon.org:

This is it: the final sprint to Election Day. If you care about women's rights, then you've got to care about this midterm election. And we can win this fight at the ballot box, if women, and the men who stand with us, show up. When women vote, women win!

Now, watch, share, and rock on with this music video by Joan Jett to #GetOutTheVote for #WomensRights

In 2013, there were more laws passed to limit women’s reproductive rights than in the entire previous DECADE.

Many of us may have access to good health care, but our experience being a woman – and our rights – shouldn’t depend on our zip code. Our sisters in Texas, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Ohio, Arkansas, and so many other states don’t have what we have. The most regressive, anti­-woman, anti­-voting, anti-equality laws are being passed on the state level. This is why the MIDTERMS are so important.

The midterm elections on Tuesday, November 4th, are just as important as the Presidential elections. Need a reason to go vote? Check out these terrifying facts:

• 29 States in America allow a rapist to sue a women for custody and/or visitation of the child birthed from that rape.
• 87% of all US Counties have no abortion provider.
• 35%of American women will have an abortion by the age o f45.
• In 35% states, Medicaid recipients do not have abortion coverage.
• In 13 states a pharmacist can legally refuse to disperse birth control, even if you have a prescription.
• 26 states have waiting periods for abortion; only 11 have waiting periods for guns.
• in 17 State the government forces women to go to counseling before she can have an abortion.
• In 32 State terminally ill women are forced to carry a pregnancy to term, regardless of her wishes or her living will.
• More than 50 abortion clinics were shut down by unnecessary laws from 2010­-2013. Not including the dozens that were shut in Texas in the last month.

(For a state by state list of anti­-women/anti-equality laws go to the nifty state-by-state map at ladypartsjustice.com)

Power To The Peaceful and The Proactive!

Info Relating To Ballot Question #2

Vote for Open Space this Election Day Nov 4th

Vote Yes on Public Question 2 to Provide for Preservation Efforts in New Jersey!

Please email this message onto family and friends. We need everyone who can vote to vote for Public Question #2 on Tuesday, November 4, 2014.

On November 4, New Jersey voters have the opportunity to dedicate state funds to ensure the future of parks, open spaces, farmlands and historic treasures. All funds from the statewide bond measure that voters approved in 2009 are allocated, and nothing remains to provide for future preservation efforts. Public Question 2 will ensure dedicated long-term funding for the now-depleted Green Acres, Blue Acres, farmland and historic preservation programs.

By dedicating a percentage of existing Corporate Business Tax revenues, Public Question 2 would ensure reliable long-term funding for critical preservation efforts to continue. The state currently dedicates 4% of the money collected from the Corporate Business Tax to help pay for some environmental programs, and Public Question 2 changes the way some of those programs are funded and raises the amount from 4% to 6% beginning in July 2019. Public Question 2, Green Acres, Blue Acres and farmland and historic preservation programs will receive approximately $71 million annually for the first five years and then $117 million annually thereafter. Public Question 2 only changes the dedication of existing tax dollars and does not increase taxes.

Again, there is no state funding left for preservation programs in New Jersey, but tremendous needs remain. According to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, more than 650,000 acres still need to be preserved to protect water and natural resources and to provide recreational opportunities to a growing population. The New Jersey Department of Agriculture reports that 350,000 acres of additional farmland must be preserved to maintain a viable agriculture industry.

This November 4th, please ensure New Jersey continues its preservation legacy by voting YES on Public Question 2!
To learn more or volunteer, visit njkeepitgreen.org.

An Important Lesson To Be Learned: Shore Area Democrats Didn't Need To Compromise Beliefs or Principles To Get Elected

It’s been a week since Election Day has come and gone, and while looking over some of the results the other day I stumbled across an interesting tidbit that was intriguing to me. After opting to endorse Governor Christie and the Republican Freeholder ticket rather than support Barbara Buono and the Monmouth County Democratic candidates, the Spring Lake Democrats took a huge beating last Tuesday at the polls.

The Spring Lake Democrats endorse the opposing party's candidates for Governor and Freeholder because they believed it was going to help their local candidates win (at least that’s what they told the Monmouth County Democrats). Interesting enough though, the 3 towns neighboring Spring Lake - Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights all elected Democrats locally even though Governor Christie won their towns by the same margin that he won Spring Lake.

Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights all supported the Monmouth County Democratic ticket, they chose not to compromise their beliefs or principles and were still able to win. They worked with the opposing party when they had to and didn't cut a political deals with Republicans to benefit themselves. They knew they were doing what was right for their constituents and recognized that they had more in common with their party's platform than the opposing party's.

There is an important  lesson  to be learned here; you can stick to your principles, be bipartisan, work on legislation that is important and beneficial to all without compromising your beliefs or getting in bed with the opposition by cutting deals to help your own electoral prospects.

Spring Lake took the opposite path from Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights and voters saw through it.

Donlon, Brand and Banta Take Middletown BOE Election

Mike Donlon, Vinnie Brand and Bob Banta have won election to the Middletown Board of Education tonight, beating out 7 other rivals for the 3 seats that were up for grabs. Of the 3 elected, Brand was the lone incumbent to win reelection. The two other incumbent running this year, Chris Aveta and John Bennet Jr., both lost.

I understand that many who belong to the "Harmony" family are extremely happy with tonight results and already have their eyes set on next year's election, looking to unseat a few more incumbents.

On Eve Of Election, Buono Campaign Releases New Web Video: "Barbara Buono"

On the eve of Election Day, the Buono for Governor campaign has released a short documentary, "Barbara Buono," which outlines how Senator Buono’s biography influences her fight for middle- and working-class New Jerseyans.

In addition to footage of Buono, the web video features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, including her husband Martin, her daughter Tessa, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., State Senator Loretta Weinberg and small businessman Francis Schott.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with Senator Buono by now, it's not too late to do so.

Well Said Mr. Braun, I'm Voting For Barbara Buono Too!

Yesterday on his blog, former Newark Star-Ledger columnist Bob Braun, who I must say is probably one of the best writers, if not the best writer in New Jersey, wrote a piece stating why he will be voting for Barbara Buono tomorrow.  His reasoning is sound, heartfelt and full of anguish and frustration at establishment Democrats that have stabbed her in the back and abandoned her campaign early on (and during) to unseat Chris Christie as Governor.  These cowardly Democrats,  who thought that they could possibly ride the coattails of Christie's coarse and crude arrogance to an easy reelection this year may instead my be victims of their idiocy. If Christie's coattails are long enough to carry anyone into office behind him, it will be his fellow Republicans that will be taking the ride, not Democratic incumbents. 

It's really a shame, Chris Christie's record is not stellar and leaves much to be desired. If these turncoats would have rallied around and behind Barbara Buono's campaign for Governor from the beginning, Christie wouldn't be sitting with a 20 point lead in the polls with his eyes looking toward 2016. Instead, he'd be on the verge of defeat and looking for a job.

For the same reasons that Bob Braun outline on his blog post (reprinted below) and a number of other reasons of my own, I'm not embarrassed at all  to say that I am voting for Barbara Buono tomorrow too! 

You know what, punk? I’m tired of you, too. I’m voting for Buono.

by Bob Braun

I am voting for Barbara Buono to take New Jersey back from the “bipartisan,” billionaire-funded coalition of bullies, punks and cowardly sycophants who are using the state as a testing ground for a future national assault on the welfare of the poor, working people, and the middle class. That makes voting for Buono Tuesday an essential act of patriotism.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she acts with dignity and treats people with respect. Frankly, without those qualifications, I don’t care much about the rest. Despite the snarkiness of main stream media and stand-up comics—including those holding public office—I am tired of depictions of Jersey residents as crude, coarse, and stupid—depictions confirmed by a governor who is crude, coarse, and stupid. Or thinks he can gain votes and national attention by acting that way.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she acted with courage and poise when other Democrats either ran from the Bully-in-Chief out of fear or sucked up to him for what they could gain. She was repeatedly stabbed in the back by party colleagues who care more about their own insignificant futures—where do you think you are going in Christieland, Joe D?—than they do about the future of the state and the nation. I am tired of Democrats who behave like obsequious little fawns whenever the Big Boy is in town.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she respects those who believe in the life of the mind. Every governor in the past—Republican and Democrat—has supported the efforts of public school teachers to educate our children. But, now, teachers have been bullied, verbally abused, mocked and ridiculed by a man who is a poster boy for how not to behave. Buono sponsored New Jersey’s anti-bullying law—and, now, for all of us, she is the anti-bully.

Cause I gotta tell you–you know what, punk? I’m tired of you, too.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because, if she is governor, collective bargaining will continue to be the way in which disputes are resolved. Because, if she is governor, millions of dollars won’t be spent on religious voucher schools. Because, if she is governor, the headlong rush into charter schools will be stopped so that our neediest children are not warehoused and segregated in the least-supported schools.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because the residents of New Jersey need an independent state supreme court. Have you forgotten Christie removed the only African-American from the court? Have you forgotten he has promised to shape the court in his own image as if he were some sort of Old Testament godhead whose wisdom surpasses those of all others?

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she supports what I—and most Democrats– believe in:

Support for public schools. Fair housing policies that will begin to end the disgrace of racial isolation and segregation throughout New Jersey. A minimum wage. Fair taxes that lower the property tax burden and increase taxes for millionaires. Independence and academic integrity for Rutgers University. Good health care. Pre-school. Women’s rights. Human rights. Strong unions to protect wage earners against the depredations of corporations that already have extraordinary protections. Concern for the environment.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because I know she wants to be governor and only governor. She is not using this position to become president. I fear for my country to think Chris Christie will be catapulted to national prominence by the results Tuesday. I genuinely believe he will use the instruments of government—as he did when he was US Attorney—to move against his political enemies. The Koch brothers want to change our country in frightening ways and, as David Koch said, “Chris Christie is our kind of guy.”

I am voting for Barbara Buono.

Buono Campaign Unveils New Web Video to Encourage New Jerseyans to Get Out the Vote

For Immediate Release
BuonoForGovernor.com


New Brunswick, NJ - The Buono for Governor campaign today released a new web video, "You Know What To Do: Vote!" to rally supporters to cast their ballots for Buono-Silva on Election Day. The web video features testimonials from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Cory Booker, Actress Kerry Washington and everyday New Jerseyans outlining why Barbara Buono is the best choice to move New Jersey forward.




What do Kerry Washington, Senator Cory Booker and Governor Martin O'Malley have in common? They all want you to #VoteBuono on Tuesday, November 5th (that's tomorrow!).