Heavier Voter Turnout Expected in Ocean County for theThird Congressional District Race

Voter turnout historically has been low for a Primary Election in New Jersey, but the hotly contested Third Congressional District race between Republicans Tom McArthur and Steven Lonegan is expected to result in heavier participation in Ocean County, according to clerk Scott Colabella.

Colabella said based on past years with the U-S Senate at the top of the ballot, the state gets about 20 to 28 percent turnout. He expects heavier turnout in the Third Congressional District. "We would expect the heaviest turnout to be in the Third District because it's a highly contested race that has drawn a lot of attention."

In addition to the top of the ticket, Colabella noted, "There is opportunity for voters to participate in selecting the Freeholder nomination for both political parties as well." Incumbents, Republican Joe Vicari and Democrat Tim Rhine are both being challenged.

On the municipal level, a handful of communities have higher profile primaries. In Lakewood, Republican Township Committeeman Steven Langert is being challenged by Joel Schwartz and Michael D'Elia. In the race for Brick Township Council, either Republican incumbent Domenick Brando or challenger John Ciocco will face Democrat Andrea Zapcic for a one-year unexpired term. In Lakehurst, Republican Patricia Hodges will try to unseat either Robin Busch or John Seaman for a spot on the Borough Council in November. And in Barnegat Light, Republican Mayor Kirk Larson is facing Eric Svelling.

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.