This year’s Presidential election on Nov. 5 is projected to see one of the largest turnouts in recent memory, with early voting expected to play a key role.
What is early voting? Beginning October 26 through Nov. 3 in New Jersey, eligible voters can cast their ballots at an approved polling site the exact same way they would on Election Day—on a machine, but without the long lines and confusion that have plagued us in recent years.
This can be done Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
If you are not yet registered to vote, you have until Oct. 15 to do so. A quick video about early voting, along with other critical election information, is available for viewing on our website at robbinsville.net.
In addition to this year’s Presidential race, our local school board election presents an opportunity for families to directly impact the lives of their children.
Comprising the largest body of elected officials in the United States, school board members are entrusted to set the policies of our public elementary, middle, and high schools.
Many residents often overlook school board elections. That is unfortunate because it is a wonderful opportunity to have a say in the policy decisions affecting your children, and with 55 percent of your total property tax bill allocated to schools, you have certainly earned that opportunity.
Building a solid, trusting relationship with the BOE through improved communication and shared ideals will better serve our students and the many families that have put their faith and trust in the Robbinsville School District.
How do you know if your school board is doing a good job?
Just as we encourage attendance at our Township Council and Land Use Board meetings, you can start by attending their monthly meetings. Visit the district website at robbinsville.k12.nj.us to find out more.
Educating yourself on how the BOE makes decisions, and how it spends your tax dollars, is a critical piece to the education puzzle.
We need our school board members to believe in the value of public education, and they must be dedicated to serving and teaching all children.
They also must believe in the democratic process and have respect for diverse points of view. Building trust with the public and local government is also paramount.
If I have said it once I have said it 100 times: One of the hardest things an individual can do is put their name on an election ballot, and I salute everyone with the courage to do so.
Take the next four weeks to find out more about all the candidates running in the upcoming election, and I will see you at the polls Nov. 5!
Dave Fried is the mayor of Robbinsville Township.
,
