New Jersey voters head to polls for primary elections

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (PIX11) - From city halls to community centers, voters are turning out this primary day in New Jersey, each with their own reason to fill out their ballot.

"I'm thinking about my kids," said Jersey City resident Paula Sierra. "I'm thinking about the community they're going to grow up in. I'm thinking about how every little decision makes a difference."

Though it may not bring the same turnout of a general election, voters PIX11 News spoke with say they feel the primary carries just as much weight.

"It's a privilege as an American to vote," said voter David Lamb, "and it's necessary, even on a primary election, which is something that I probably would not have taken too seriously when I was younger."

In Hudson County, there's a big focus on the Democratic 8th Congressional District primary, where incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez is taking on main challenger, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, as well as and local real estate businessman Kyle Jasey.

Fairleigh Dickinson University politics professor Dr. Dan Cassino said that race could hinge on whether more liberal progressive Democrats or mainstream Democrats come out to vote.

"Both sides are running scared because no one exactly knows what the likely voters are going to look like," said Cassino.

Cassino said another race to watch is the Democratic primary for the 9th Congressional District. Longtime incumbent U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell is being challenged by Prospect Park Mayor Mohamed Khairullah.

Cassino points out it's not just who is on the ballot, but the ballot itself that's worth watching this primary election - the first without the controversial county line.

"The presence of 'the line' in New Jersey elections for decades meant that the party bosses pretty much chose who the candidates were going to be well before the election," said Cassino, "and there wasn't much competition actually going on on Election Day. Now that we have competition, not the parties, not the media, not you and I, have any idea who actually is going to turn out to vote so everyone is holding their breath right now."

After the polls close, New Jersey has until Monday to count remaining absentee ballots.