SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Election Day is a week away, and there are a few key positions on the ballot in New Jersey.
Head to the polls prepared this year: Below, we break down the top races in South Jersey, a few of the candidates, and what some of their policies are.
GOVERNOR
Murphy, Democrat:
• Enacted school mask mandate
• Signed multiple gun control bills
• Supports a woman’s right to choose
• Wants stricter gun control and police reform
• Supports affordable and clean energy with a costly plan for ratepayers
• Backs affordable housing
Read more of Murphy’s policies here
Ciattarelli, Republican:
• Wants to lower property taxes
• Says residents should have a choice whether to wear masks, get vaccinated
• Supports loosening of gun laws for permits
• Supports a woman’s right to choose, with limitations for minors
• Stands by law enforcement over police reforms
• Supports affordable and clean energy
Read more of Ciattarelli’s policies here
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STATE SENATE — South Jersey districts
2nd District (Atlantic)
Former Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D) is running against former Assemblyman Vince Polistina (R) to replace Chris Brown (R), who left his seat to work for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
5th District (Camden)
Republican Clyde Cook, a former Woodlynne councilman, was kicked off the ballot after a signature challenge left him seven short of the required 100. He won the primary as a write-in, though, to face incumbent Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D).
8th District (Burlington)
Former sheriff and Assemblywoman Jean Stanfield is looking to flip this seat back to Republican from incumbent Dawn Addiego, who made the switch from the Republican to Democratic Party in 2019. Democrats haven’t won this district in nearly 50 years.
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ASSEMBLY — South Jersey districts
2nd District (Atlantic) — two seats
Former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian (R) and Claire Swift (R) look to defeat incumbent Democrat John Armato and Caren Fitzpatrick (D). They are all gunning to replace Vince Mazzeo.
8th District (Burlington) — two seats
Republican Ryan Peters isn’t seeking re-election, and Jean Stanfield is running for state Senate. Democrats Allison Eckel, a school board member, and Mark Natale, an attorney who lost in the last election, are up against Republicans Brandon Umba and Hammonton Councilman Michael Torrissi Jr.
Umba is a former aide to Jon Runyan and the political director of Burlington County Republicans.
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BALLOT MEASURES
Question 1
Should the state permit gambling on college sports games that are played in New Jersey or involve teams from New Jersey playing elsewhere? Opponents of this say student-athletes may be more likely to engage in game-fixing. Supporters say game-fixing is rare, and the taxes collected from gambling are a huge boost to both the state and local municipalities.
Question 2
Should organizations be allowed to sell raffle tickets or host games of chance, like bingo, to raise money for themselves? Currently, any proceeds from these must be used for charity, not the organization’s bottom line. Supporters say the pandemic has been brutal for nonprofits and they need all the help they can get. Opposition has been mum.