Stone Harbor, New Jersey Public Records

The New Jersey Online Voter Registration System at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register accepts applications from anyone with a valid New Jersey driver's license or non-driver ID. The deadline falls 21 days before any election. Those who prefer can register in person at the Capemay County Clerk's office, at motor vehicle agencies, or by submitting mail-in forms. New Jersey also permits same-day registration during the early voting period. Acceptable identification includes a driver's license, military ID, student ID, or utility bills displaying the current address. First-time voters who registered by mail must present identification when casting their ballot. The borough operates under a borough form of government with nonpartisan local elections for Mayor and Borough Council. Voters elect a Mayor to four-year terms and six Council members serving staggered three-year terms, with two council seats contested annually. Stone Harbor's next municipal election is scheduled for May 2025, featuring the mayoral race and two council positions. Mayor Suzanne Walters currently leads the borough. Candidates file through the Cape May County Clerk's office, with nominating petitions typically due in late February for the May election. Local ballot questions concerning bond issues or ordinances may also appear alongside candidate races. Residents can find their assigned polling location using the New Jersey Voter Registration & Polling Place Search at https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/polling-place-search by entering their home address. Given the borough's modest year-round population, the community typically operates one or two polling sites, often at the Stone Harbor Community Center or Borough Hall. The state also provides early in-person voting at designated countywide locations during the nine days before Election Day. New Jersey's Open Public Records Act classifies voter registration lists as public records available for inspection, though commercial use faces restrictions. Campaign finance records for local candidates are filed with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) at www.elec.nj.gov, where contribution and expenditure reports can be searched online. The County Clerk maintains candidate filing information and nominating petitions. Precinct-level results for the borough are published by the Capemay County Clerk following certification, typically posted at www.capemaycountyclerk.org within two weeks of any election. During the November 2024 presidential election, Cape May County recorded approximately 64% voter turnout, with roughly 67,500 ballots cast from approximately 105,000 registered voters countywide. The borough's two districts reported combined turnout exceeding 70%, reflecting higher civic engagement among its affluent, educated population. Several significant races will appear on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. New Jersey's U.S. Senate seat currently held by Cory Booker will be contested for a full six-year term. All 120 seats in the New Jersey Legislature face election, including 40 Senate seats and 80 General Assembly seats; the borough is part of the 1st Legislative District. Cape May County offices on the ballot include County Clerk, Surrogate, and Sheriff (three-year terms), plus three County Commissioner seats (three-year staggered terms). The borough will not hold municipal elections in November 2026 as its May election cycle operates separately. Voters will also decide potential state ballot questions including constitutional amendments or public questions. New Jersey offers universal mail-in voting, allowing any registered voter to request a mail-in ballot without stating a reason. Applications are available online at the Capemay County Clerk's website or by calling 609-465-1011. Applications must reach the office by the Tuesday before Election Day for that election, though earlier submission is recommended. Voters may also apply to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections in a calendar year. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within 48 hours, or deposited in secure ballot drop boxes located throughout Capemay County up until 8:00 PM on Election Day. New Jersey also allows in-person early voting and traditional Election Day voting for all registered voters.