Election Day today

(November 8, 2011) Today, the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, is Election Day. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the various districts. Registered voters will choose members of the N.J. General Assembly, county and local officials. They also will vote on local questions as well as a state constitutional amendment allowing wagering on sports events at Atlantic City casinos and at horse racetracks.

This Election Day has been overshadowed by the widespread power outages due to the freak nor'easter that hit the Northeast on Oct. 29. Although the heavy snow melted quickly, its aftermath of fallen trees on power lines caused major problems. Schools and shops were closed, traffic disrupted for days. No electricity out in the country means no water, no heat, no phone, no lights, etc. Tree and utility workers from as far away as Alabama have been working long hours with local crews to repair the damage. Now that most folks in this area have their electric and phone service restored, they are busy with the cleanup of tree limbs and other debris, plus household chores like backed-up laundry.

But regardless, today we focus on our civic right to choose our leaders and rules. So VOTE. Details of local elections can be found in Recorder Community Newspapers right here online at newjerseyhills.com. Also some bloggers share political commentary. After the election, results will be posted here as well.

Anyone interested in joining the growing group of 60+ Recorder bloggers can contact me at (908) 832-7420 or panderson@recordernewspapers.com.