Politics & Government

Day at the Polls: Civic Duty to Vote

Residents are heading to the polls to exercise their rights.

With numbers of voters staying steady, and climbing higher than in the primaries, voters at the municipal complex said the main reason they are taking part is because of their civic duties.

"I feel it's my civic duty to vote, and I like to have a part in the decision-making," said resident Harry Graham. "Even though I am only one vote, it might count."

As of noon, district 4 had had 119 voters, and district 11 had had 66.

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"I vote because I can," said resident Mai Corvi. "I always vote, it doesn't matter which election it is."

For several residents, the fact that this is a mayoral election is not the driving factor for heading out to the polls.

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"I would hope the mayoral election brings people out, and I doubt the legislative election is bringing people," said resident Lee Sokloski. "I feel this is my civic duty.

Resident John Wheeler said he understands that the elections this year will have a major impact on Bridgewater as a whole.

"We will see a change," he said.

Wheeler added that, while he doesn't think the legislative elections will bring voters, he hopes whoever is voted in in the Senate and Assembly takes into account the votes that came from Bridgewater, particularly as the township is one of the newest additions to the 23rd district.

"It is important to have us heard, and nice to have the legislators know what is in our backyard," he said. "If they see how Bridgewater votes and that will push them over the edge, it will be nice to have a voice."

And for Graham, he is hoping that change is also apparent in Bridgewater after the election is over.

"I want a competent administrative government," he said. "I was disatisfied with the last mayor, and I think it is time to put the township back where it was."

"I think we want to restore competency, whether it's the local, state or federal governments," he added.

Keep with Patch for the rest of the day for more voter reactions, and the up-to-the-minute results in the evening.


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