Princeton Primary Election 2020: Who's Running, How To Vote

PRINCETON, NJ — Tuesday's 2020 Primary Election in Princeton includes voting for mayor and two contested council seats.

There are three Democratic candidates running for two open seats on the Town Council and one Democratic candidate running unopposed for mayor. There are no Republicans running for mayor or council in Princeton.

Mark Freda, 63, a Democrat, is the only candidate running for Mayor. Current Princeton Mayor Liz Lempert is not seeking re-election.

Freda has worked as President of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad for the past two years as a paid position. Freda had previously served on the Princeton Boro Council for 13 years and Chair of the Joint Boro — Township Transition Task Force. Read More: Princeton Primary Election Profile: Mark Freda

David E. Cohen, 62, is one of three Democratic candidates running. Incumbent Cohen currently works as an Architect in Princeton for 33 years. His family includes his wife Liz, and adult children Molly, Ethan, and Simcha. He also serves as current council president. Read More: Princeton Primary Election Profile: David Cohen

Leticia Fraga, 61, is one of three Democratic candidates running. Incumbent Fraga, a current incumbent councilwoman, has worked as a Civil Rights Specialist for 7 years, Paralegal/Investigator for 4 years, and a Community Volunteer for 20 years. Read More: Princeton Primary Election Profile: Leticia Fraga

Dina Shaw, 56, is one of three Democratic candidates running. Newcomer Shaw currently works as Vice President of Finance at Overbrook Capital Corp. She has previously served as a member of the Economic Development Committee. Read More: Princeton Primary Election Profile: Dina Shaw

If you are planning to vote in the primary, here's what you need to know about the process:

Where To Vote: In-Person

Polling locations have been decreased by fifty percent; and, therefore, election districts have been consolidated. They will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Princeton Engine Company #1, 23 Chestnut St. - (Districts- 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, & 22)‍
• Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Dr. - (Districts- 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8)‍
• Hook and Ladder Fire House, 25 North Harrison St. - (Districts-14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 & 20)

Mailing Ballots

If you received a mail-in ballot because you are a registered Republican or a registered Democrat, here are the ways you can submit your vote:

• Mail it back, following the instructions on the ballot. It must be postmarked no later than 8 p.m. on July 7, 2020, to be counted in the election.
• Deliver your completed ballot in person to the Board of Elections in your county.
• In Mercer County, the Board of Elections is located at 640 South Broad Street in Trenton.

Vote-By-Mail Drop Boxes

You can also drop your completed ballot off in a secure ballot drop box. The drop boxes are under surveillance 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ballots will be picked up daily.

In Mercer County, drop boxes can be found in these locations:

• Princeton Municipal Bldg., Princeton;
• Hamilton Call Center — 5 Justice Samuel A Alito Jr Way, Hamilton (next to the Hamilton Library);
• Hopewell Township Administration Bldg., Hopewell;
• Trenton- Courthouse Annex, 209 S. Broad Street (in front), Trenton; and
• East Windsor Police Station (in front), East Windsor.

The deadline for dropping your ballot off in the drop boxes is 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.

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