With campaign signs multiplying across Hopewell Valley, political mailers arriving daily and television advertising ramping up, Mercer County voters are entering the final stretch before New Jersey’s June 2 primary election.
Early in-person voting begins Tuesday, May 26, and runs through Sunday, May 31, giving voters multiple ways to cast ballots ahead of Election Day. In the Hopewell Valley, early voting will take place at the Pennington Fire Company.
Sample ballots have already begun arriving in mailboxes across Mercer County and are also available online through county election offices.
This year’s Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is drawing particularly heavy attention as candidates compete to succeed longtime Democratic Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman.
The Democratic field includes multiple candidates seeking the nomination, with campaigns increasingly visible throughout the region through roadside signs, direct mail and advertising.
Despite the crowded race, officials and researchers contacted by MercerMe said voters should not expect traditional public polling in the contest.
Election and political science experts at Montclair State University and Rutgers University told MercerMe that district-specific polling in the race would be difficult and expensive because of the relatively small geographic footprint and challenges associated with obtaining a statistically reliable sample size.
While some campaigns have released internal polling, experts said independent public polling would likely carry a large margin of error unless conducted at significant expense.
Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello this week reminded voters that there are three ways to participate in the upcoming primary election: vote by mail, vote early in person or vote at polling places on Election Day.
“Along with the other two Mercer County election offices, my office is committed to ensuring every eligible voter has clear, convenient, and secure options to participate in the voting process,” Covello said in a statement. “Whether you choose to vote by mail, vote early at an early polling location, or vote on Election Day, I encourage you to make your voice heard in the upcoming Primary Election.”
Vote-by-mail deadlines approaching
Registered voters can still apply for a vote-by-mail ballot through May 26 online or by mail through the state portal and Mercer County Clerk’s Office.
Voters may also apply in person at the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 209 South Broad Street in Trenton through 3 p.m. on June 1.
Completed ballots can be returned through secure drop boxes, by mail or directly to the Mercer County Board of Elections Office.
Officials reminded voters that vote-by-mail ballots cannot be returned to early voting locations or regular polling places.
Early voting in the Hopewell Valley
Early voting locations across Mercer County will operate:
- Tuesday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hopewell Valley voters may cast ballots early at the Pennington Fire Company regardless of whether they live in Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough or Pennington Borough.
Election Day voting on June 2 will run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at assigned polling locations listed on voters’ sample ballots.
State election officials are encouraging residents to rely on official election resources for the latest voting information, polling locations and ballot details as primary season enters its final weeks.
