It’s Election Day in five N.J. towns

Good morning, New Jersey.

It’s Election Day in New Jersey, again.  Voters in five municipalities will go to the polls today for special school elections.

The Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000 permits local school boards to get at least 40% of some school construction costs paid for by the state through annual debt service if voters approve the measure in a referendum.  New Jersey holds special school board elections in January, March, September, and December.

In the first month of 2025, New Jersey has already had four elections: special conventions to fill a State Senate seat in the 35th and for State Assembly seats in the 6th, 7th, and 35th districts.

In Pitman, voters will consider a $14.22 million school improvement project that would qualify for nearly $5.7 million in state funds.  A second public question includes $7 million in additional improvements, with $2.8 million funded by the state.  The second question can only pass if the first one does.  Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Voters in Princeton will consider three bond proposals: the first for $37.9 million for alterations, renovations, and improvements to two schools with $8.8 million in state aid; the second for $38.3 million with $5 million in state funding; and a third for $12.9 million with $1 million in assistance from the state.  The second is only eligible for voter approval if the first passes; both must pass for the third to win approval.  Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM.

There are two school improvement bond referendums in Mendham Borough: one for almost $10 million that would receive nearly $4 million in state funding, and another for $9.3 million that is not eligible for state funds.  The first public question must pass for the second to be considered.  Polls are open from 8 AM to 8 PM.

In Scotch Plains and Fanwood, voters are considering a $44.8 million that qualifies for $11.4 million in state funds, and a second public question that would spent another $1.1 million to increase the operating budget at one school.   The first question must pass to move on to question number two.  Polls are open from 2 PM to 8 PM.