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NJPSA Election Coverage 2011

Some Leadership Changes on Dems Side of the Aisle

A newly reconstituted Democratic leadership emerged November 10, proclaiming party unity under a goal to re-energize the state’s economy, create jobs and scrutinize the Governor’s education reform agenda.

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In New Jersey, Legislature Stays Democratically Controlled

In an election cycle plagued by low turnout, the Democrats gained one Assembly seat.

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Looking for Info on Candidates… Check Out Our Up to the Minute News on Each Race

NJPSA has compiled information on your local legislative races courtesy of some of the biggest policy and political sources in New Jersey. Take a few minutes to check out what is being said about the election generally and in your district!

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Check Out Responses to NJPSA's Candidate Questionnaire

NJPSA contacted candidates for the Assembly and Senate in the early fall.  We provided a short questionnaire to ascertain candidate’s positions on a range of subjects affecting your students, your school, and your profession!

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Statewide Legislative Campaign Fundraising & Spending Down

Spending by New Jersey’s legislative candidates is down so far this year, but one closely watched race in North Jersey is developing into the state’s most expensive contest, according to the state Election Law Enforcement Commission.  

All 120 seats in the Assembly and Senate are on the November ballot, and candidates for those offices have collectively spent $12.7 million since the June primary, according to campaign finance reports submitted to the commission.  Leading the way in spending is the 38th legislative district in North Jersey, where incumbent Democratic Sen. Robert Gordon of Fair Lawn is being challenged by Republican Bergen County Freehodler Chairman John Driscoll of Paramus.

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All 120 seats in the Assembly and Senate are up this year and we need YOU to be engaged about what happens on NOVEMBER 8.

Please spend some time getting some basic information on the candidates in your district by looking at their profiles as powered by capwiz – you can even contact them directly via email or snail mail via the site. Then check out their responses to the questionnaire NJPSA sent out on issues important to students, schools and the profession.

For those encumbents in the race we have compiled a voting record for each candidate – this will provide you information on how your current Assemblypersons or Senators have voted on issues important to you.

We’ve also compiled analysis from sources around the state by was of our special NJPSAELect2011 twitter feed (link to twitter feed) that we will be continually updating.

But, we ask you to go further this year – consider hosting a candidates’ night at your county meeting or getting engaged on issues important to our profession via our communications guide (link to the pdf attached). Or, consider getting your students focused on year’s legislative races through a mock election or debate.

NJPSA is here to help with any logistical needs you have as you engage with candidates in your area. Don’t hesitate to contact the GR staff at 609.860.1200 or via email to dbradley@njpsa.org or jmaloney@njpsa.org.

Thank you!

Have Your County Association Host the Candidates

Consider engaging your local candidates by bring them in for a visit with your local candidates. At the State level, we have compiled some questions on pressing issues that you may want to consider asking based on the 2011 Candidate Questionnaire on:

  • Tenure Reform Proposals
  • Educator Effectiveness & Evaluation
  • School Choice
  • School Funding
  • Mandate Relief
  • Pension Funding
Engage Your Students

The recently adopted 2009 Core Curriculum Content Standards for Social Studies place a heightened emphasis on fundamental values of American citizenship and active citizenship in the 21st century. The New Jersey Department of Education has indicated that, “The responsibilities of citizenship, including participation in the political process through voting, are an important component of the social studies curriculum, not only at the high school level, but at all grade levels.”

The New Jersey Division of Elections partners with the National Student/Parent Mock Election to hold a New Jersey Student Mock Election. The Division of Elections is encouraging schools to participate and vote in the Mock Election this year as well. This is a great opportunity to engage students in the electoral process and combine a major current event in the State with the Social Studies, History, or Civics curriculum. As information is made available NJPSA will be sure to share it with membership.

High School At the high school level, school districts have the additional responsibility of providing voter registration forms to all eligible high school pupils, in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:36-27. And, districts are held accountable for providing these as part of the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJQSAC) process.

The Office of the Public Advocate has compiled recommendations for implementing the high school voter registration statute that may be of assistance to you. Voter registration forms are available electronically at: http://www.njelections.org/voter-registration-application.html The forms may be printed, filled out, signed, and mailed to the Division of Elections postage free.

For additional information regarding voter registration, you may contact:
24 Hour Assistance (toll-free): 1-877-NJVOTER
General Information: 609-292-3760
TTD/TYY: 1-800-292-0039