Montclair residents will be among those casting ballots in New Jersey’s 2026 general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. (Google Maps)
MONTCLAIR, NJ — The 2026 general election is fast approaching, and Montclair residents have plenty of choices to make, including races for town council and the board of education.
The Essex County Clerk's Office recently released sample ballots for Montclair, which can be seen here.
Here are some local choices that Montclair voters will face in the upcoming election:
MONTCLAIR TOWN COUNCIL – Montclair residents will vote for one available council at-large seat. The candidates are: Mariana Horta, Toni Martin, and Kyle Porro. The winner will fill a vacancy left by William Harrison, who was appointed as a temporary replacement for Carmel Loughman last year.
MONTCLAIR SCHOOL BOARD – There are three seats available on the Montclair Board of Education. The candidates are: David Moon, Richard Reynics, Corey Pierson, Brandie Bookhart, George Simpson, Andrew Gideon, and Ayelet Haran.
Here are some other races that Montclair voters will be asked to cast ballots for in the midterm election:
U.S. Senator – A U.S. Senate seat is open in New Jersey. The candidates are Justin Murphy (Republican), Cory Booker (Democrat), Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party), and Veronica Fernandez (Independent).
U.S. House of Representatives (10th District) – Montclair is split between two congressional districts. The candidates in the 10th district are Carmen Bucco (Republican) and LaMonica McIver (Democrat).
U.S. House of Representatives (11th District) – Montclair is split between two congressional districts. The candidates in the 11th district are Joe Hathaway (Republican), Analilia Mejia (Democrat), and Alan Bond (Independent).
Essex County Executive – The candidates for Essex County executive are Maritza Mathews (Republican) and Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. (Democrat).
Essex County Board of Commissioners (At-Large) – There are four at-large seats available on the Essex County Board of Commissioners. The Republican candidates are: Demetrius Eley, Daniela Ferreira Almeida, Douglas Freeman, and Sahwa DeFrank. The Democratic candidates are: Christine McGrath, Abdur Yasin, Deborah Engel, and Wayne Richardson. There is also an independent candidate: Wynnie-Fred Victor Hinds.
Essex County Board of Commissioners (5th District) – There is also a county commissioner seat up for grabs in the 5th district, which includes Montclair. The candidates are Frank Contella (Republican) and Carlos Pomares (Democrat).
HOW TO VOTE
The voter registration deadline for the general election is Oct. 13. Learn more about voting in New Jersey here.
There are three ways to vote in the 2026 general election:
Vote By Mail – The last day to apply by mail for a Vote-By-Mail Ballot is Oct. 27. Voters can also apply in person to the clerk's office on any day up to 3 p.m. the day before an election. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day. See a list of secure drop boxes in Essex County here. Learn more about the voting by mail process here. RELATED: Vote-By-Mail Update Issued In Essex County After Supreme Court Ruling
Early In-Person Voting – Early in-person voting will begin Oct. 24 and run through Nov. 1. Voting hours will take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday to Saturday), and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. See a list of early voting locations in Essex County here.
Election Day – Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day, which takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Find your local polling place here.
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