When I ran sales in the eastern region for a Fortune 500 tech company, at the end of each quarter, we would direct the sales people to push harder to close business. “This is the most important quarter, of the most important year, in the company’s history.”
As the end of each quarter approached, “I know… this is the most important quarter!” became a kind of joke, and yet, the pressure was real. If staff didn’t share my urgency, I’d try to explain to our rank and file why that quarter was truly consequential. Subsequent revenue numbers provided an objective measure of whether the push was successful.
Interestingly, as a policy wonk I often feel the same way about our nation’s elections. Each current election is the most important election, in the most important year, in the nation’s history!
Not everyone shares my passion. No where is the enthusiasm gap more evident than in local primary elections as illustrated by our abysmal voter turnout numbers.
In the past, voter apathy was understandable. Voters felt less motivated as they perceived they had little voter impact since most races were not competitive. New Jersey was the only state in the country with a uniquely designed ballot comprising a “line” of political party endorsed candidates.
Party line candidates gained a huge advantage due to their prominent ballot position —- making elections feel like a foregone conclusion.
Last year, Sen. Andy Kim and others won a legal battle that overturned the longstanding ballot design that helped political bosses cement their power over New Jersey politics.
That win brings me to the purpose of this column.
The new ballot design levels the playing field. We have a truly competitive primary election, making this the most important election in recent New Jersey history.
Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, you have a richer choice of gubernatorial candidates who may align with your political ideology.
A fair ballot empowers voters and resulted in six democratic and five republican candidates for a truly robust choice that supports variation within each party. For example, Democrats span from moderate to very progressive, with all previously holding elected office.
Republican candidates range from one who is endorsed by President Trump, through an anti-Trump republican with backgrounds including elected officials through a radio political commentator.
Rather than party leaders picking our candidates, the primary election will be decided entirely by voter turnout.
Not only should you educate yourself and get out and vote, but also encourage your family and friends to vote as well. Every vote counts.
In the November general election, choices are far more limited. The general is important for making the final decision, but the primary shapes the overall narrative of the party platform.
Oppression is fueled by silence, voter suppression, and apathy. History will judge us on whether we made our voices heard while we have the chance.
Vote by mail:
Complete your VBM ballot and drop it in the secure drop box at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building.
Vote early:
Tuesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 8, you can vote early at Pennington Fire Company at 120 Broemel Place in Pennington.
Vote on primary Election Day:
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, vote at your regular polling place from 6am – 8pm
The last two gubernatorial primary elections, held in 2017 and 2021 had appalling Mercer County turnout numbers of less than 14% and 11%, respectively.
Now that we have a truly competitive election, we must show up. This is the most important election held in New Jersey, since the ballot change.
High turnout numbers will ensure the best outcomes for New Jersey. Please vote.
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