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New Jersey · Spotlight county · Nov. 3, 2026

Essex County, NJ

Before you vote

15 days to Election Day
Early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 24.Hours that day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Only eligible, registered voters may vote. Who can vote in New Jersey. Hours checked Oct. 4, 2026 from official sources.

Every race and candidate on the Essex County ballot, from official lists.

For voters in Newark, East Orange, Irvington, Bloomfield, West Orange, Montclair, Orange, Livingston, Belleville, Nutley, Maplewood, South Orange and the rest of Essex County's 22 towns. Some races depend on where you live; your official sample ballot shows exactly which ones are yours.

52 races150 candidates3 ballot measures28 contestedBy the Numbers
Look up my official ballot Where and when to vote

Your sample ballot from the County Clerk shows your exact races. The Clerk posts every town's sample ballot in one file.

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Ballot measures
3 measures, each with the official wording and what a YES or NO vote does.Make a printable list of your choices
Click Choose next to candidates and FOR or AGAINST on measures, then print it or save it as a PDF.

Before you vote

15 days to Election Day
Early voting starts Saturday, Oct. 24.Hours that day: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Google Calendar Apple / Outlook

Only eligible, registered voters may vote. Who can vote in New Jersey. Hours checked Oct. 4, 2026 from official sources.

Key Dates

October 13, 2026Voter registration deadline
Oct 24 – November 1, 2026Early voting in person
October 27, 2026Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail
November 3, 2026Election Day (polls open 6 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Source: New Jersey Division of Elections

Make a voting sheet: click Choose on each candidate you plan to vote for and FOR or AGAINST on each measure, then Print my choices at the bottom of the screen. Your choices stay on this device; we never see them.

Federal

U.S. Senate is on every ballot; Essex County is split among U.S. House Districts 8, 10 and 11
2026 General Election · 6-year term

U.S. Senate

One of New Jersey's two members of the U.S. Senate. Senators vote on federal laws, confirm federal judges and cabinet officials, and approve treaties.

Race details
2026 General Election · 2-year term

U.S. House of Representatives, District 8

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives for one congressional district. House members vote on federal laws and must start all tax and spending bills. Only voters in this district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 2-year term

U.S. House of Representatives, District 10

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives for one congressional district. House members vote on federal laws and must start all tax and spending bills. Only voters in this district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 2-year term

U.S. House of Representatives, District 11

A member of the U.S. House of Representatives for one congressional district. House members vote on federal laws and must start all tax and spending bills. Only voters in this district vote in this race.

Race details

Essex County

County Executive and at-large commissioners are countywide; district commissioner seats depend on where you live
2026 General Election · 4-year term

Essex County Executive

The elected head of Essex County government. The county executive runs county departments, proposes the county budget and can veto actions of the Board of County Commissioners.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail.

Vote for up to 4. 4 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner, District 1

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail. Only voters in this commissioner district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner, District 2

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail. Only voters in this commissioner district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner, District 3

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail. Only voters in this commissioner district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner, District 4

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail. Only voters in this commissioner district vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Essex County Commissioner, District 5

A member of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners, which sets the county budget and runs county services such as roads, parks and the jail. Only voters in this commissioner district vote in this race.

Race details

Town Races

Only in the towns listed; ward seats depend on your ward
2026 General Election

Belleville Council, Ward 2

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Belleville governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Belleville voters in Ward 2 vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Bloomfield Council, Ward 1

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Bloomfield governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Bloomfield voters in Ward 1 vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Bloomfield Council, Ward 2

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Bloomfield governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Bloomfield voters in Ward 2 vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Bloomfield Council, Ward 3

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Bloomfield governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Bloomfield voters in Ward 3 vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Caldwell Council

A seat on the Caldwell governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Caldwell Mayor

The mayor of Caldwell. Only Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Essex Fells Council

A seat on the Essex Fells governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Essex Fells voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Fairfield Council

A seat on the Fairfield governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Fairfield voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Glen Ridge Council

A seat on the Glen Ridge governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Glen Ridge voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Livingston Council

A seat on the Livingston governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Livingston voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Maplewood Township Committee

A seat on the Maplewood governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Maplewood voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Millburn Township Committee

A seat on the Millburn governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Millburn voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Montclair Council, At-Large

A seat on the Montclair governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Montclair voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

North Caldwell Council

A seat on the North Caldwell governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only North Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

North Caldwell Mayor

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

The mayor of North Caldwell. Only North Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Roseland Council

A seat on the Roseland governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Roseland voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

Roseland Mayor

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

The mayor of Roseland. Only Roseland voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

Verona Council

A seat on the Verona governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only Verona voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

West Caldwell Council

A seat on the West Caldwell governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only West Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

West Caldwell Mayor

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

The mayor of West Caldwell. Only West Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election

West Orange Council, At-Large

A seat on the West Orange governing body, which passes local laws and the municipal budget. Only West Orange voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election

West Orange Mayor

The mayor of West Orange. Only West Orange voters vote in this race.

Race details

School Boards

Nonpartisan; depends on your town
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Belleville Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Belleville Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Belleville voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Bloomfield Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Bloomfield Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Bloomfield voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education, 3-Year Term

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Caldwell-West Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Cedar Grove Board of Education, 3-Year Term

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the Cedar Grove Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Cedar Grove voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Fairfield Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Fairfield Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Fairfield voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Glen Ridge Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Glen Ridge Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Glen Ridge voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Livingston Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Livingston Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Livingston voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Millburn Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Millburn Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Millburn voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Montclair Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Montclair Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Montclair voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

North Caldwell Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the North Caldwell Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only North Caldwell voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Nutley Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Nutley Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Nutley voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Orange Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Orange Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Orange voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Roseland Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Roseland Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Roseland voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only South Orange-Maplewood voters vote in this race.

Vote for up to 3. 3 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

Verona Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the Verona Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only Verona voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · Unexpired term

Verona Board of Education, Unexpired Term

A seat on the Verona Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. This election fills the rest of an unexpired term. The race is nonpartisan. Only Verona voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

West Orange Board of Education, 3-Year Term

A seat on the West Orange Board of Education, which sets school policy and the budget and hires the superintendent. The race is nonpartisan. Only West Orange voters vote in this race.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

West Essex Regional Board of Education, Fairfield Seat, 3-Year Term

A seat on the West Essex Regional Board of Education, the regional school district that serves several towns. This seat represents Fairfield, and only Fairfield voters vote in this race. The race is nonpartisan.

Vote for up to 2. 2 seats are on the ballot.

Race details
2026 General Election · 3-year term

West Essex Regional Board of Education, Roseland Seat, 3-Year Term

Unopposed Only one candidate is certified for this race.

A seat on the West Essex Regional Board of Education, the regional school district that serves several towns. This seat represents Roseland, and only Roseland voters vote in this race. The race is nonpartisan.

Race details

Ballot Measures

State measures are on every ballot; local measures only where you live
West Essex Regional School District (Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland) · Bond Proposal Question 1

West Essex Regional schools: $41.9 million in bonds for high school and middle school projects

Official ballot wording

Read the official wording (293 words)

The Board of Education of the West Essex Regional School District in the County of Essex, New Jersey (the "Board") is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at West Essex High School, including but not limited to the construction of a two-story addition and a new security vestibule, renovations to the Media Center, partial window replacement, structural upgrades, and various HVAC upgrades, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at West Essex Middle School, including but not limited to a new security vestibule, the removal of an existing concrete trellis, various renovations to the cafeteria courtyard, the installation of a turf field, upgrades to the athletic field, athletic lighting upgrades, and drainage improvements, various renovations to the auditorium, and various HVAC upgrades, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) appropriate $41,926,384 for such improvements; and (d) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $41,926,384. The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $24,312,507 (consisting of $12,477,217 for West Essex High School and $11,835,290 for West Essex Middle School). The projects include $17,623,877 (consisting of $17,623,877 for West Essex High School and $0 for West Essex Middle School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Do you approve this Bond Proposal Question No. 1?

Choices: Yes / No

A YES vote (Yes): Authorizes the West Essex Regional Board of Education to spend $41,926,384 on the listed high school and middle school projects and to issue bonds up to that amount. The ballot says State debt service aid covers 40% of the debt service on the $24,312,507 in eligible costs.

A NO vote (No): The bonds for these projects are not approved. Question 2 also cannot take effect.

From the official explanatory statement: At this election, the voters of the school district are being asked to consider Bond Proposal Questions No. 1 and No. 2. As set forth above, Bond Proposal Question No. 2 can only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election. If Bond Proposal Questions No. 1 and No. 2 are approved by the voters at this election, the Board of Education will be authorized to undertake the improvements described in both questions at West Essex High School and West Essex Middle School. The total cost for the projects will be $49,419,634, and the Board of Education will be authorized to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $49,419,634. The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $27,305,757 (consisting of $14,193,217 for West Essex High School and $13,112,540 for West Essex Middle School). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Your choice:

Full text, statements for and against

West Essex Regional School District (Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland) · Bond Proposal Question 2

West Essex Regional schools: $7.5 million in additional bonds (only if Question 1 passes)

Official ballot wording

Read the official wording (304 words)

(Bond Proposal Question No. 2 will only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election.)

The Board of Education of the West Essex Regional School District in the County of Essex, New Jersey (the :Board") is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at West Essex High School, including but not limited to HVAC and mechanical upgrades, upgrades to the athletic field, upgrades to the existing football field bleachers and press box, and the replacement of select interior and exterior doors and door hardware, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at West Essex Middle School, including but not limited to renovations to various office spaces, and upgrades to the athletic field, and the replacement of select interior and exterior doors and door hardware, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) appropriate $7,493,250 for such improvements; and (d) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,493,250. The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $2,993,250 (consisting of $1,716,000 for West Essex High School and $1,277,250 for West Essex Middle School). The projects include $4,500,000 (consisting of $4,500,000 for West Essex High School and $0 for West Essex Middle School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Do you approve this Bond Proposal Question No. 2?

Choices: Yes / No

A YES vote (Yes): If Question 1 also passes, authorizes $7,493,250 more for the listed high school and middle school projects and bonds up to that amount.

A NO vote (No): The additional bonds are not approved.

From the official explanatory statement: At this election, the voters of the school district are being asked to consider Bond Proposal Questions No. 1 and No. 2. As set forth above, Bond Proposal Question No. 2 can only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election. If Bond Proposal Questions No. 1 and No. 2 are approved by the voters at this election, the Board of Education will be authorized to undertake the improvements described in both questions at West Essex High School and West Essex Middle School. The total cost for the projects will be $49,419,634, and the Board of Education will be authorized to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $49,419,634. The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $27,305,757 (consisting of $14,193,217 for West Essex High School and $13,112,540 for West Essex Middle School). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Your choice:

Full text, statements for and against

Fairfield · Municipal Public Question

Raise the Fairfield open space tax to 2 cents per $100 of assessed value

Official ballot wording

Shall the Mayor and Council of the Township of Fairfield, within 90 days of the passing of this municipal question, adopt an ordinance increasing the funding of the Open Space trust Fund which shall have the following provisions:

A. The Open Space Trust Fund shall be increased through the collection of local property taxes in the amount of two (2) cents per hundred dollars of assessed value and the funds shall be designated solely for the purchase and development of property or easements within the Township of Fairfield for active and passive recreation, for conservation purposes, and for maintenance and replacement of active and passive recreation. No other provision of the Open Space Trust Fund will be altered by this amendment.

Choices: Yes / No

A YES vote (Yes): Directs the Mayor and Council to adopt, within 90 days, an ordinance raising the open space tax to 2 cents per $100 of assessed value. The township estimates an extra $106.28 a year on the average property, assessed at $531,420.

A NO vote (No): The open space tax is not increased by this question.

From the official explanatory statement: The proposed increase in funding of the Open Space Trust Fund will be used to purchase property or easements within the Township of Fairfield for active and passive recreation, for conservation purposes, to develop the property for active and passive recreation, and for the maintenance and replacement of active and passive recreation. The additional annual tax levy for purposes of this fund would amount to $106.28 on the average property in the Township being assessed at $531,420.00.

Your choice:

Full text, statements for and against

Where and When to Vote

Early voting in person

Saturday, Oct. 24, to Sunday, Nov. 1. Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Any Essex County voter may use any of the 11 early voting sites. Early voting sites can differ from your Election Day polling place.

  • Watsessing Park Community Center
    Bloomfield Ave. and Conger St., Bloomfield, NJ 07003 · Map
  • East Orange City Hall
    44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ 07018 · Map
  • Fairfield Community Center
    221 Hollywood Ave, Fairfield, NJ 07004 · Map
  • Irvington Municipal Building
    1 Civic Square West, Irvington, NJ 07111 · Map
Show all 11 early voting sites
  • Wally Choice Community Center
    49 Maple Avenue, Montclair, NJ 07042 · Map
  • Cherry Blossom Welcome Center, Branch Brook Park
    Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ 07104 · Map
  • Essex County Complex Parking Garage (West Market Street entrance)
    West Market Street, Newark, NJ 07102 · Map
  • Weequahic Park Community Center
    Meeker and Elizabeth Ave, Newark, NJ 07112 · Map
  • West Side Park Community Center
    600 17th Street, Newark, NJ 07103 · Map
  • Verona Community Center
    880 Bloomfield Ave, Verona, NJ 07044 · Map
  • Berson Family Center, South Mountain Complex
    560 Northfield Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052 · Map

Source: Essex County Clerk, 2026 general election voting guide.

Election Day

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at your assigned polling place.

Registration deadlines

  • Register by Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 (21 days before the election).
  • Register online, by mail or in person. Check your registration at vote.nj.gov.

Vote by mail

  • Any registered voter may vote by mail. Apply by mail so it arrives by Tuesday, Oct. 27; you can apply in person at the County Clerk's office until 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2.
  • Return your ballot by mail postmarked by Election Day and received by Nov. 9, in a county drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day, or in person at the Board of Elections (495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Room 145, Newark) by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

ID

  • Most New Jersey voters do not need to show ID to vote.

If you registered without giving a driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, you may be asked for ID the first time you vote.

Official links

Essex County Clerk, Elections: 973-621-4922, info@clerk.essexcountynj.org, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 130, Newark, NJ 07102.

Sources

Candidates appear as listed on the official candidate list; write-in candidates are not shown. Party labels are those on the ballot. Checked Oct. 4, 2026.

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