New Jersey is breaking records with a record-breaking first day of early voting. Officials reported that more than 135,000 residents cast their ballots in person Saturday, the first day of early voting in the state. The turnout exceeded all nine-day early voting totals from previous elections, indicating increased voter engagement ahead of the 2024 general election.
According to the New Jersey Division of Elections, Saturday’s turnout added to the 599,000 ballots already received by mail.
Camden County leads the state in participation at 18% of registered voters. In contrast, Hudson County saw a turnout of just 7%.
With 11% of New Jersey voters now having cast their ballots either in person or by mail, both Democratic and Republican voters showed strong interest. Roughly 39% of Saturday’s in-person early voters were Democrats, and 37% were Republicans. Unaffiliated voters made up nearly a quarter of the turnout.
In the 7th Congressional District, one of the state’s closest races, early data revealed a 14-point Republican advantage on Saturday, a notable shift from prior elections. This could have larger implications nationally, as the balance of the House of Representatives is thought to be a toss-up.
Statewide, officials will keep early voting sites open through Nov. 3 to accommodate the high demand. Election Day is set for Nov. 5.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.