West, South Orange Residents Speak About N.J. Governor’s Race

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For the first time in 12 years, New Jersey will experience the political freedom of choosing a governor without an incumbent in the race. But there’s a flip side to the decision: it comes at a time when conversations across the political divide are becoming increasingly difficult.

In an effort to understand the heart of this divide, The Voting Block, a collaborative effort between several New Jersey media organizations, recently spoke with several West and South Orange residents to find out what they thought about the governor’s race.

Listen to their interviews and read more about the reporting project here.

WHAT IS THE VOTING BLOCK?

According to the group’s mission statement:

“The project involves several major news organizations in the state who will explore the gubernatorial election -- and political divisions -- through the eyes of one neighborhood. Each news outlet will follow a group of neighbors throughout the summer and fall as the race develops, holding events and online discussion groups.”

Current reporting partners for the project include WNYC, WHYY, NJ Spotlight, The Record of the USA Today Network and New America Media. Editorial components of the project are being coordinated by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University, and audience engagement is being coordinated by Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting.

Learn more about the project here.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Flickr Commons

Visit the Patch South Orange Facebook page here.

Visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page here.