Early Voting Begins Saturday: Essex County Polling Locations Revealed
As the nation watches, New Jersey prepares for an important off-year election. Early in-person voting for the gubernatorial race starts this Saturday, October 25, 2025, and continues until Sunday, November 2, 2025. This election marks one of the two gubernatorial contests taking place across the country this year.
Voting Schedule and Ballot Details
The early voting hours are set as follows:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
On the ballot are U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat from Montclair, and former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican from Somerville. Both candidates have actively campaigned and participated in several debates throughout the state. According to a recent Rutgers-Eagleton poll, Sherrill currently leads by five points.
Local Races in Essex County
In addition to the gubernatorial race, Essex County towns will also have vital local elections. Residents of Montclair will be selecting three new school board members, a decision prompted by the district’s significant deficit crisis. The candidates include:
- Yvonne Bouknight (incumbent)
- Brian Fleischer (incumbent)
- Sean Long (former board member)
- Milt Horowitz (newcomer)
- Kerri McMahon (newcomer)
- Chrissy Thomas (write-in candidate)
Fleischer has dropped out of the race. In Bloomfield, voters will elect three school board members, a mayor, and three at-large council members. West Orange is holding both a municipal election and a school board election.
Polling Locations for Early Voting
Essex County residents can vote early at the following locations:
- Bloomfield: Watessing Park Community Center
- East Orange: East Orange City Hall
- Fairfield: Fairfield Community Center
- Irvington: Irvington Municipal Building
- Montclair: St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish
- Newark: Essex County Complex Parking Garage
- Verona: Verona Community Center
- West Orange: Berson Family Center, South Mountain Recreation Complex
Voting at these locations will take place from October 25 to November 2, 2025, with the same hours as mentioned earlier.
Get Informed
For questions about the voting process, residents can consult the local Voting Guide. Stay connected with developments in your community by signing up for the Essex Local newsletter, which provides independent reporting on local government and cultural highlights.
