Key Highlights
- New Jersey is holding an off-year election with gubernatorial contests.
- The early in-person voting for the November 4, 2025 general election begins on October 25 and ends on November 2.
- Bloomfield, Montclair, West Orange, and Newark have local races on the ballot.
- U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli are competing for governor.
Election Calendar: Key Dates in Essex County
The early voting period for the November 4, 2025 general election in New Jersey kicks off on October 25 and concludes on November 2. This is an important off-year election as both candidates are gearing up to compete for governorship.
For Essex County residents, the early voting schedule operates Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with Sunday hours reduced to 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This gives voters ample opportunity to cast their ballots before the main election day.
The Race for Governor
Two prominent candidates are vying for New Jersey’s governorship: U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli.
Sherrill, a Democrat from Montclair, and Ciattarelli, a Republican from Somerville, have been actively campaigning across the state.
A recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on September 21, 2025, showed Sherrill leading with a five-point margin over Ciattarelli. This close race has garnered significant attention and is expected to influence voter turnout in Essex County.
Local Races in Essex County
Essex County’s election also includes several local races that are crucial for residents. In Montclair, the school board elections will determine the future of the town’s education system amidst a massive deficit crisis. Five candidates were originally vying for three seats: incumbents Yvonne Bouknight and Brian Fleischer; former board member Sean Long; and newcomers Milt Horowitz and Kerri McMahon.
Fleischer has since dropped out, leaving four candidates to compete.
A new candidate, Chrissy Thomas, hopes to secure write-in votes but is not on the ballot. Other local races in Bloomfield, West Orange, and Newark also hold significance for their respective communities.
Early Voting Locations
Essex County residents can vote early at various locations across the county. These include:
- Bloomfield: Wassessing Park Community Center, Bloomfield Avenue East, East Orange City Hall (44 City Hall Plaza), Fairfield Community Center (221 Hollywood Avenue)
- Irvinton Municipal Building (1 Civic Square), Montclair St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish (1 Munn Street), Verona: Community Center (880 Bloomfield Avenue), West Orange: Berson Family Center, South Mountain Recreation Complex (560 Northfield Avenue)
- Newark: Essex County Complex Parking Garage, West Market Street Entrance, Cherry Blossom Center Branch, Brook Park, Weyquahic Park Community Center (Meeker and Elizabeth Avenue Entrance), West Side Park Community Center (600 South 17th Street)
For detailed information on voting locations and to find the sample ballot for your town, visit the Essex Local website.
Stay Informed and Engage in Your Community
Voting is a critical aspect of democratic participation. By staying informed about local elections and participating in early voting, citizens can have a direct impact on the future of their communities.
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