Bridgewater 2023 Election: Who's Running, Where To Vote

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Here is what Bridgewater voters need to know before they hit the polls.

Who is on the ballot? (* denotes incumbent)

Township Council

There are two candidates running for Mayor:

• Republican Matthew Moench*
• Democrat Dan Hayes

There are four candidates running for two, three-year seats on the Township Council:

• Michael Kirsh - Republican*
• Timothy Ring - Republican*
• Saad Toor - Democrat
• Marguerite Baranowski - Democrat

Bridgewater-Raritan Regional Board of Education

There are four candidates running for the three, three-year full-term seats up for grabs representing Bridgewater:

• Jarrett Hahn
• Rebecca Hassouna
• Hector Menendez
• Barry R. Walker*

There are three candidates running for the one, three-year full-term seat up for grabs representing Raritan:

• Umesh Agrawal
• Jeff McNally
• Mike Pepe

A debate for the candidates vying for seats on the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School Board was held on Oct. 17 at the High School. Read More: 3 Takeaways From Bridgewater-Rartian School Board Candidate Debate

See the debate below:

Bridgewater-Raritan School Referendum

On Nov. 7, a ballot question will ask the two communities to approve recurring operating costs of the full-day kindergarten, totaling $2.46 million. This includes 15 general education teachers, two special education teachers, two custodians, and the utility and transportation costs. Read More: Fall Referendum For Full-Day Kindergarten At Bridgewater-Raritan: Info

The estimated one-time tax impact would be a $53.24 annual increase for the average Bridgewater home that is assessed at $488,933, and a $41.83 increase for the average home in Raritan which is assessed at $320,525, the district said.

Somerset County Board of County Commissioners

• Douglas Singleterry - Democrat*
• Paul Drake - Democrat*
• Donald Lemma - Republican
• Daniel Gallic - Republican

New Jersey Legislative District 23 Senate

• Denise King - Democrat
• Douglas Steinhardt - Republican*

New Jersey Legislative District 23 Assembly

• Guy Citron - Democrat
• Tyler Powell - Democrat
• John Dimaio - Republican*
• Erik Peterson - Republican*

When To Vote

Early Voting: Oct. 28 - Nov. 5

In-person voting at six locations throughout Somerset County will be conducted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday during this period. Votes cast during early voting are considered complete, and there will not be an opportunity to amend them.

Eligible voters who have not requested a mail-in ballot may cast their vote during this period at any of the following locations:

• BERNARDS TOWNSHIP Bernards Township Community Center Garage, 289 South Maple Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ
• BRIDGEWATER Municipal Court, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater NJ
• FRANKLIN Community Center, 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, NJ
• HILLSBOROUGH Municipal Building , 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough NJ
• MONTGOMERY Municipal Building, 100 Community Drive, Skillman NJ
• NORTH PLAINFIELD Community Center, 614 Greenbrook Road, North Plainfield, NJ

Election Day: The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 7 with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where Can I Vote?

Vote In-Person On Election Day

• Bradley Gardens Firehouse, 24 Old York Road (Districts 1, 2, 16, 31)
• Adamsville School, Route 28 (400 Union Avenue) (Districts 3, 14, 27)
• Bridgewater Municipal Court Meeting Room 102, 100 Commons Way (Districts 4, 11)
• Somerset County 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road (Districts 5, 33, 34, 35)
• Hamilton School, Hamilton Lane (Off Frohlin Drive) (Districts 6, 17)
• Bridgewater Township Senior Citizen Center, 455 Somerville Road (Districts 7, 18, 21, 32)
• The People Care Center, 120 Finderne Avenue (District 8)
• Finderne Rescue Squad, 476 Union Ave (Route 28) (Districts 9, 15)
• Blessed Sacrament Parish Center, 1890 Washington Valley Road (Districts 10, 12, 20, 23, 24)
• Hillside School, 844 Brown Road (Districts 13, 22, 28, 29)
• Bridgewater United Methodist Church, Corner of 651 Country Club Road & Van Holten Road (Districts 19, 30, 36)
• Eisenhower School, 791 Eisenhower Avenue, Off Steeple Chase Lane (Districts 25, 26)

Dropbox:

Located at the Municipal Building, 100 Commons Way, Bridgewater.

The boxes are all outside and under surveillance 24/7. They resemble a USPS Blue Mailbox, but are Red, White & Blue and display "Somerset County – Official Ballot Drop Box." Boxes will be available for ballot drop off 24 hours daily from Sept. 22 until 8 p.m. Election Night Nov. 7.

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