We talk often about how most people are apathetic when it comes to politics and voting although in years when there is a Presidential election clearly there is much greater interest. 

Two generators power the polls at Silver Bay Elementary School in Toms River
Two generators power the polls at Silver Bay Elementary School in Toms River (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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However Election Day 2012 is very much different here at the Jersey Shore and throughout the state as we deal with the cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Sandy and at the same time prepare for another coastal storm Wednesday that could bring heavy rain, wind and flooding.  It seems like somebody really doesn’t like us.

Clearly the choice for President is tops among those heading to the polls today, although some will be voting in different places as many polling locations have been moved due to last week’s storm.

However it is important that you are aware that registered voters can vote at any polling location in the state.  While the turnout may be less in New Jersey because people have other things on their mind it is not expected to have any impact on the Presidential race where President Obama is a huge favorite to grab the state’s electoral votes.

We also have an election for one of the two U.S. Senate seats with incumbent Robert Menendez a double digit favorite over Joe Kyrillos.  By the way I have seen and heard more from Menendez in his TV commercials the last few weeks then in the almost 7 years he has been one of our senators.

Maybe the most hotly-contested election is the 3rd district congressional race where Republican Jon Runyan is trying to hold onto his seat against Shelley Adler.  Runyan, a former pro football player, defeated Adler’s late husband John two years ago to earn his ticket to Washington.

Republicans and incumbents John Bartlett and Gerry Little are solid favorites to hold onto their spots on the Board of Chosen Freeholders but Sheriff William Polhemus has faced a spirited challenge from Bob Armstrong and that race could be interesting.

Remember also that for the first time you may be choosing Board of Education members as those elections have been moved to November in a cost-saving move.

On a totally unrelated note but one worth mentioning.  Congratulations to Toms River’s Todd Frazier who received the Players Choice Award as the National League’s Outstanding Rookie for his play with the Cincinnati Reds this season.

Frazier was selected by his peers after batting .273 with 19 homers and 67 RBI’s.

 

 

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