Election day is November 2 in New Jersey and many people are watching the race for governor. The contenders are current Democratic Governor Phil Murphy and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker.
In terms of their campaign platforms Governor Murphy says he wants to continue action plans he already has in motion. These include decriminalizing the use of cannabis and introducing the industry to New Jersey’s economy, implementing the Community College Opportunity Grant Program which offers free tuition to low income students, and updating New Jersey’s transit system.
One of Governor Murphy’s most ambitious goals is the implementation of clean energy in New Jersey. His plan is to tackle climate change and have New Jersey run off of completely 100% clean energy.
By contrast, Ciattarelli says his goals are to lower property taxes, make healthcare more affordable, and promote entrepreneurship to encourage economic growth.
The candidates have faced off in two feisty debates. Hot topics included COVID-19 vaccines and masking, school funding, and white privilege.
Murphy has tried to paint Ciattarelli as a Tump acolyte while Ciattarelli has suggested Murphy is an “anti-woman” fraud even though they have common ground on abortion
Ciatterelli, who headlined a Trump-supporting “Stop the Steal” rally in 2020, has tried to distance himself from Trump, saying elections are not rigged in NJ. Meantime he has thrown shade at Murphy for being originally from Massachusetts saying he supports the Red Sox instead of the Yankees in baseball.
Voting in NJ runs 5:30 am to 8:30 pm on November 2. If you are registered you can find your polling place through this search: https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search
