{"id":213163,"date":"2026-03-10T14:15:07","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/213163\/"},"modified":"2026-03-10T14:15:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T14:15:07","slug":"its-election-day-again-do-over-council-election-in-oakland-school-elections-in-montclair-eleven-other-towns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/213163\/","title":{"rendered":"It’s Election Day, again: Do-over council election in Oakland; school elections in Montclair, eleven other towns"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Norman Rockwell, Election Day, 1944. (Photo: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art).<\/p>\n

Good morning, New Jersey.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Election Day in Oakland, Montclair, and eleven other New Jersey municipalities.<\/p>\n

In Oakland, voters will return to the polls again to fill one seat on the borough council after the November general election ended in a tie. Republican incumbent Kevin Slasinski will face independent Matthew Dumpert.<\/p>\n

Roughly 675 vote-by-mail ballots have been returned in Oakland, while another 700 ballots mailed by election officials remain outstanding.<\/p>\n

Superior Court Judge Kelly Conlon ordered the March 10 election after an exhaustive series of legal challenges that ended in a trial in January.<\/p>\n

Conlon rejected a ballot cast by\u00a0a 30-year-old woman who lives in Chicago with her husband but votes out of her parents\u2019 home in Oakland.<\/p>\n

At a trial, the woman declined to testify \u2013 she had indicated an intention to exercise her Fifth Amendment privilege\u00a0\u2013 and Conlon instead heard testimony from the woman\u2019s parents as to their daughter\u2019s political leanings.\u00a0 Conlon used that testimony to determine who the woman voted for and dropped the vote, bringing the race to a tie. \u00a0Conlon, who didn\u2019t speak to the voter, never determined if the woman was one of the 309 VBM voters in Oakland who didn\u2019t vote in the council election.<\/p>\n

Conlon also relied on expert testimony by Republican John McCann, who lost his bid for re-election to Dumpert\u2019s running mate and is now a municipal court judge in Cresskill.\u00a0 McCann says Democrats tend to run as independents in Oakland \u201cto increase their chances of being elected.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last year, it took Conlon ten days to hold a hearing to get a recount of the tied election, and then more than a week to actually recount the ballots.\u00a0 Conlon ordered a brief to outline reasons why an error in the count might have been made, an event that doesn\u2019t really matter since the result was a tie.<\/p>\n

In November, independent William Eilert ousted GOP incumbent John J. McCann by 77 votes, but Slasinski and Dumpert each received 2,516.<\/p>\n

The polls are open in Oakland from 6 AM to 8 PM.\u00a0 Eleven secure ballot drop box locations will be available in Bergen County.\u00a0 Click HERE <\/a>for a full list. \u00a0\u00a0The estimated cost of the special election is $50,000 to $70,000.<\/p>\n

Montclair Special School Referendum<\/p>\n

Voters in twelve New Jersey municipalities will have the chance to vote in a special school board election today.<\/p>\n

The high-profile contest is in Montclair, where the local Board of Education must get voter approval to raise an additional $12.6 million from taxes over the last school budget to cover a significant budget deficit.\u00a0 If the referendum fails, it could force Gov. Mikie Sherrill to seek a state takeover of her hometown school system.\u00a0 During last year\u2019s gubernatorial campaign, Sherrill said she might appoint a state monitor.<\/p>\n

A second question would raise an additional $5 million from taxes, which would be a personal increase to the district\u2019s tax levy.\u00a0 The first question must pass for the second one to be approved.<\/p>\n

Essex County election officials have issued 6,648 vote-by-mail ballots; 2,724 were returned as of yesterday afternoon.\u00a0 For Montclair, this is the second special election of the year, following a February 5 special primary for Sherrill\u2019s now-vacant 11th district House seat.<\/p>\n

The polls in Montclair will be open from 3 to 8 PM.\u00a0 With polls open for 13 or 14 hours everywhere else in the state, Montclair\u2019s five-hour voting window is the shortest in New Jersey \u2013 by far.<\/p>\n

On December 2, 2025, Superior Court Judge Robert Gardner abruptly cancelled\u00a0Montclair\u2019s December 9 special school referendum<\/a> after a resident, Carl Kraus, alleged that the wording of the ballot question was confusing.\u00a0 Over 1,750 votes had already been cast; those votes have been discarded.<\/p>\n

Special School Elections<\/p>\n

School elections will also be held in Berkeley Heights, Bernardsville, Far Hills, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Neptune City, Netcong, Norwood, Peapack-Gladstone, Robbinsville, and Seaside Heights.<\/p>\n

Proposals are as follows:<\/p>\n

Berkeley Heights: Seeking $21,227,001 for security, technology, site, and building upgrades across district schools. Estimated state aid: $8,298,800. \u00a0(Question 2): Seeking $29,125,969 for HVAC replacements, roofing work, electrical upgrades, and classroom renovations across district schools (contingent on approval of Question 1). Estimated state aid: $11,566,387. \u00a0\u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Ho-Ho-Kus: Seeking $3,100,000 in additional taxes to maintain current district programs, services, and staff for the 2026-2027 school year. The effect would be a permanent increase to the school tax levy.\u00a0 Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Mahwah: Seeking $73,756,733 for major renovations across six schools (roofing, HVAC, boilers, windows, fire alarms, exterior repairs, and classroom reconfiguration). Estimated state aid: $29,502,693.\u00a0 Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Neptune City: Seeking $8,446,700 for roof replacement, HVAC and electrical upgrades, boiler replacements, and restroom renovations at Woodrow Wilson School. Estimated state aid: $3,378,680.\u00a0 Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Netcong: Seeking $9,029,717 for renovations and an addition at Netcong Elementary School. Estimated state aid: $2,269,732.\u00a0 \u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Norwood: Seeking $6,107,478 for renovations and construction of an addition at Norwood Public School. Estimated state aid: $1,846,010. \u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Robbinsville: Seeking $5,031,476 in additional local school funding to maintain class sizes, prevent the loss of up to 22 teachers and staff, and preserve academic programs, athletics, clubs, and electives.\u00a0 The effect would be a permanent increase to the school tax levy.\u00a0 \u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Seaside Heights: Seeking $4,445,415 for system upgrades and renovations at Hugh J. Boyd Jr. Elementary School. Estimated state aid: $1,778,166.\u00a0 \u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

Somerset Hills Regional (Bernardsville, Fair Hills, and Peapack-Gladstone): Seeking $38,024,257 for improvements and renovations at Bernards High School, Bernardsville Middle School, and Bedwell Elementary School. Estimated state aid: $13,346,881.\u00a0 \u00a0Polls are open from 6 AM to 8 PM. <\/p>\n

The state funds at least 40% of eligible school construction costs through annual debt service aid under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000.<\/p>\n

How to vote in N.J. \u2013 and how to fight disenfranchisement<\/p>\n

Here are some common questions about voting in New Jersey.\u00a0 Remember, sometimes you must advocate for yourself to avoid being disenfranchised.\u00a0 Don\u2019t go down without a fight.<\/p>\n

What time are the polls open today?<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s election, polling locations\u2019 hours of operation fluctuate, but every place is open until 8 PM.<\/p>\n

Do I have to be declared as a member of a political party?<\/p>\n

Not today.\u00a0 Just a registered voter.<\/p>\n

What happens if I get to my polling place before 8 PM and there is a line?<\/p>\n

As long as you arrive before 8 PM, you will be permitted to vote.\u00a0 Polling places must remain open until every voter who arrives on time has the opportunity to vote \u2013 so please don\u2019t leave.<\/p>\n

How do I find my polling location?<\/p>\n

It will be on your sample ballot.\u00a0 If you can\u2019t find it, you can use the Division of Elections website to find out.\u00a0 Click HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Is there a way to check my voter registration?<\/p>\n

Yes.\u00a0 Click HERE<\/a>. \u00a0Believe it or not, not everyone in New Jersey realizes the voter registration deadline for today\u2019s election was on October 15.<\/p>\n

Should I put my ballot in the mailbox?<\/p>\n

No! No! Don\u2019t even think about it!\u00a0 If you use the U.S. Postal Service this late, your vote may not count; the U.S. Postmaster General has said he couldn\u2019t assure the delivery of ballots mailed less than a week before Election Day. \u00a0Click HERE <\/a>to learn about the new USPS rules.\u00a0 Use only Secure Ballot Drop Box locations in the county you live in.<\/p>\n

How do I find a Secure Ballot Drop Box?<\/p>\n

Click HERE<\/a> for a list.<\/p>\n

If I have already voted by mail, how can I confirm that my ballot has been received?<\/p>\n

Click HERE<\/a> to sign up for a Track Your Ballot account. \u00a0It\u2019s free and private.<\/p>\n

What should I do if my ballot hasn\u2019t arrived?<\/p>\n

Voters need to take responsibility for their own vote.\u00a0 Contact a county election official.\u00a0 You will have the option of going to the county election office and getting a replacement VBM ballot.\u00a0 Or go to your regular polling place and ask for a provisional ballot.<\/p>\n

How do I contact county election officials?<\/p>\n

Click\u00a0HERE\u00a0<\/a>for a list.<\/p>\n

Will provisional ballots be counted?
Absolutely.\u00a0 A legitimate provisional ballot is the same as a machine vote.\u00a0 You have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you believe you are entitled to vote, but your name does not appear on the electronic poll book list of registered voters.\u00a0\u00a0 You may also vote with a provisional ballot if you moved within your original county and not registered at your new address or moved to a new county within 30 days of Election Day \u2013 but you may not vote if you moved from another county or another state 31 days before.\u00a0 Remember that the number one cause of provisional ballots is a vote-by-mail ballot already sent to you.\u00a0 Don\u2019t worry if you can\u2019t locate it; you may use a provisional ballot.\u00a0 Just don\u2019t vote twice.<\/p>\n

If my provisional ballot is rejected, how will I know?<\/p>\n

Election officials are required to send you a notification letter, but that won\u2019t be sent out until the results are certified.\u00a0 In an abundance of caution, call your county Board of Elections and find out if your ballot was counted.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the Hail Mary move if I get turned away from the polls?<\/p>\n

Voters should not readily accept being turned away.\u00a0 Ask to speak to the person in charge, known as the Super Poll Worker, the individual who is most fluent in ways that can\u00a0help you vote.<\/p>\n

Here are two things to know:<\/p>\n

You have a right to ask for and cast a provisional ballot.
\nIf you are not allowed to vote or feel incorrectly pushed to vote on a provisional ballot when you\u2019re entitled to vote on the machine, you can present your case to a Superior Court Judge to determine your eligibility to vote. \u00a0Judges will be on call for each of the all day; hearings are done remotely, and you can attend a hearing via Zoom from your phone at a polling location. There is no requirement to appear in person.<\/p>\n

Who can help me?<\/p>\n

If you intend to appear before an election judge, call the ACLU Voter Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or contact your county election officials.\u00a0 Click\u00a0HERE\u00a0<\/a>for a list.<\/p>\n

Will I need to show ID?<\/p>\n

If you are a first-time voter and registered by mail, you will be asked to show identification at the polls. \u00a0If you don\u2019t bring an acceptable form of ID, you may vote by provisional ballot and then get your ID to your county election office within 48 hours to have your vote counted.<\/p>\n

May I request a disability accommodation?
Yes.\u00a0 If you have a disability, a friend or family member can help you, as long as it\u2019s not Craig Callaway.\u00a0 A poll worker must offer a reasonable accommodation.\u00a0 If they don\u2019t, you may file a complaint with the Division of Civil Rights, either online<\/a> or by calling the NJBIAS Hotline at\u00a01-833-NJDCR4U (1-833-653-2748).<\/p>\n

What if I changed my name?
If you have changed your name since registering to vote, you have the right to vote under your original name.<\/p>\n

What if someone threatens me?<\/p>\n

As a New Jersey voter, you have a right to vote without intimidation, threats, coercion, or interference.\u00a0 Anyone who believes their vote has been interfered with\u00a0or seeks to report voting-related issues can call the New Jersey Voter Information and Assistance line at 877-NJVOTER.\u00a0 You may also contact the American Civil Liberties Union hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.\u00a0 Click HERE<\/a> to read the Attorney General\u2019s guidance on the role of law enforcement in election activities.<\/p>\n

How do I know my vote was counted?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re uncertain if your vote was counted, ask a poll worker for help. If a voting machine malfunctions, ask for a paper ballot.\u00a0 That counts the same.<\/p>\n

Can people from campaigns approach me at the polls?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s illegal to solicit or electioneer voters within a \u201cprotective zone\u201d as voters enter or exit a polling location.\u00a0 The \u201cprotective zone\u201d extends 100 feet from the outside entrance of any polling site.\u00a0 Report any attempts to interfere with voters within this zone to local law enforcement.<\/p>\n

Am I allowed to wear campaign gear to the polls?<\/p>\n

No.\u00a0 New Jersey has a law that prohibits anyone from wearing anything that advocates for a candidate, slogan, or issue.<\/p>\n

May I bring my kids into the voting booth with me?<\/p>\n

Yes.<\/p>\n

Is voting safe and secure in New Jersey?<\/p>\n

Yes, very much so.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Norman Rockwell, Election Day, 1944. (Photo: Cedar Rapids Museum of Art). Good morning, New Jersey. It\u2019s Election Day…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":213164,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[34],"tags":[143,145,144],"class_list":["post-213163","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-oakland","tag-oakland","tag-oakland-headlines","tag-oakland-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213163","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=213163"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/213163\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/213164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=213163"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=213163"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=213163"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}