2016 Manchester Election Guide: Where To Vote, Candidates

MANCHESTER, NJ — The 2016 election is almost here. With 24/7 coverage of the presidential race, it's easy to forget there are other races that you, as a voter, have a say in.

In Manchester Township this year, three council seats are up for grabs, along with two seats on the Board of Education that are being contested.

The council race for three, four-year terms, pits three incumbents, James A. Vaccaro Sr., Sam F. Fusaro Jr., Charles L. Frattini Sr., running under the Continued Good Government banner, against challengers Felicia Maria Finn, William R. Foor, Anne M. Markovski, running under the banner of Vision, Direction, Leadership for Our Future. Click the links to their campaign Facebook pages for information on their stances.

The Manchester Township Board of Education has two, three-year terms at stake. Incumbents Jackie Bermudez and James Kenneth Pate face a challenge from Patrick Barry.

At the Ocean County level, longtime incumbent Freeholder John P. "Jack" Kelly and Virginia E. Haines, who was appointed earlier this year to finish the term of Freeholder James Lacey, who resigned in January, are the Republican candidates. They are being challenged by Democrats Ed Wolff and Michael B. Cooke, and John J. Novak, who represents the Great Opportunity Party.

In the race for Ocean County Sheriff, incumbent Michael Mastronardy, a Republican, is being challenged by Democrat Sal Ottaviano, and Michael G. Osborn, who is running under the "Honor, Integrity, Pride" banner.

Manchester voters also are being asked to vote on a House of Representatives race, where Republican Chris Smith, the incumbent, is being challenged by Democrat Lorna Phillipson; Hank Schroeder, under the Economic Growth banner; and Jeremy Marcus, who represents the Libertarian Party.

In addition, there are two ballot questions. The first asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to permit casinos to be built outside of Atlantic City. The second asks voters to approve a constitutional amendment to dedicate money from the tax on diesel fuel to the Transportation Trust Fund.

The Ballotpedia website has additional information on the casinos question; click here.

The Ballotpedia site also has additional information on the gas tax question, which has become the subject of vocal opposition that includes Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno. Read more here.

If you have not seen your sample ballot, click here.

If you are not sure what voting district you belong to you can call the Ocean County Board of Elections at 732-929-2153.

The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you have any issues with being permitted to vote, or have concerns about voter fraud, you can call the offices of U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said his office will receive and respond to reports of election irregularities, voter intimidation or any other activities that would interfere with a citizen’s right to vote on Nov. 8.

The Election Day Hotline – 888-636-6596 – will be active Nov. 7 through Nov. 9 and will be staffed live on Election day in English and in Spanish, Fishman said.

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