Voters Sound Off in Tuesday Election

Paramus residents were at the polls Tuesday to vote on a wide-ranging election that includes local, county and state races.

Some cast their vote as a referendum on Gov. Chris Christie, others as a referendum on President Barack Obama. For many, local issues ruled.

Borough clerk Toni Falato said turnout had been "brisk" thus far, and voters like Gloria Reinhardt streamed into Tuesday morning.

Reinhardt, a 44-year-resident of Paramus, said she hoped to end the unanimous rule of Republicans on the borough council.

"We need to break the Republican majority on council," she said. "I think there needs to be opposition votes there so that we can have democratic discussions."

Paul Berinato echoed those thoughts. He said bringing the Democrats back to the council was the chief reason he voted.

"I don't particularly have any gripes with what's happening, but I just think there ought to be two voices," Berinato said.

Stella Teger, who has lived in Paramus 29 years, said she hoped the governing body could reduce waste. She said taxes were the chief issue in this election, but preserving Paramus and preventing overdevelopment was a close second.

Karin Carlough said she hoped elected officials would maintain the quality of life in Paramus.

"I think that Paramus offers wonderful services and we're very pleased," she said.

Reinhardt also said education was an important issue, criticizing Gov. Chris Christie for his dealings with teachers. 

"He targeted them in an unprofessional manner," she said.

Others, like Anthony and Ann Raffaele, voted for candidates they thought would advance Gov. Christie's agenda.

"Hopefully the people that get elected will vote in favor of what Gov. Christie wants to do," Anthony Raffaele said.

Meanwhile, Mark Cantor, casting his vote at , said he voted for Republicans as a rebuke to Obama. Cantor said he didn't agree with the president's policies, including his health care law and proposed tax on millionaires, which New Jersey Democrats have proposed as well.

"If the Republicans win most of the elections throughout the country, I really think that will show a tremendous sign to the Democratic party," he said.

Follow our live coverage of the election and get the results first.