In the recent presidential election, New Jersey recorded its lowest voter turnout in a presidential year, with only 65% of registered voters casting ballots. Out of the 6.6 million registered voters in the state, approximately 4.3 million participated, as per the certified results from state officials.
This turnout marks a decline from previous elections and is notably lower than the record set twelve years ago. Julia Sass Rubin, a Rutgers University professor who studies New Jersey government, suggested that expectations of a Democratic win contributed to voter apathy. "As with the 2021 governor’s race, the expectation was that Democrats would win so there was not a pressing need for Democrats to turn out," Rubin explained.
The election featured Kamala Harris against Donald Trump in what was described as pivotal for America's future. Despite this, many voters seemed indifferent. The ballot also included an open U.S. Senate seat and all 12 U.S. House seats from New Jersey.
Trump's performance in New Jersey showed an increase of about 85,000 votes compared to his previous run in 2020, while Harris saw a decrease of around 250,000 votes compared to Joe Biden's results four years prior. Trump ended with approximately 1.96 million votes and Harris with about 2.22 million.
Rubin commented on these shifts by noting they do not indicate a dramatic shift to the right for New Jersey but may reflect national demographic trends: “However, a realignment does appear to be taking place that reflects some of the national demographic trends,” she stated.
Democrats have since acknowledged the need to address issues such as affordability more effectively following Election Day feedback.
Rasmussen noted that "working-class communities" in counties like Bergen and Hudson were not particularly moved by Harris' campaign efforts.
