Last week, North Bergen residents who were enjoying their leisure time in James J. Braddock Park said that the upcoming presidential election will affect many issues that are important to them.
This Tuesday, Oct. 14 is the last day that voters in New Jersey can register to vote in the Nov. 4 election. The leading contenders are Republican Sen. John McCain and Democratic Illinois Sen. Barack Obama.
Amidst an economic decline, an ongoing war in Iraq, and thousands of people without health insurance, the election is expected to draw more voters than any in the past.
While some North Bergen residents voiced a commitment to Obama, others were undecided and felt that his campaign promising change isn’t very different from that of McCain. But all agreed that change in this country is necessary and that voting is essential.
While some North Bergen residents voiced a commitment to Obama, others were undecided and felt that his campaign promising change isn’t very different from that of McCain. But all agreed that change in this country is necessary and that voting is essential.
Hudson County is typically a Democratic stronghold, with – as of last week – 170,465 residents registered as Democrats and 26,722 as Republicans, a 6 to 1 ratio. Another 132,706 of the total 329,893 registered did not list a political affiliation.
Since there are 358,884 adults in Hudson County, according to a 2006 U.S. Census estimate, that means 28,991 are not yet registered to vote.
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Register by Oct. 14
In order to fill out the New Jersey Voter Registration Application, a voter must be 18 years or older by Nov. 4; a U.S. resident; a resident of NJ and Hudson County 30 days before the election, and be not serving a prison sentence or probation because of a felony conviction.
Also, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or social security number.
To obtain an application, call the Superintendent of Elections in Hudson County at (201) 795-6555 or get an application from the municipal clerk in Town Hall. Or you can go to the following website to download an application: http://www.state.nj.us/state/elections/voter-registration-application.html.
The Voter Registration Application can also be mailed to the Superintendent of Elections in Hudson County at: 595 Newark Ave., third Floor, Room 301, Jersey City, N.J., 07306. Questions? Call (201) 795-6555.
Comments on this story can be sent to TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.