Why your vote may be the reason we send the wrong people to D.C.

New Jersey's next election is here. This time, the big decision will be what the balance of power will be in Washington D.C., with New Jersey playing a critical role in what ultimately happens..

For the most part, we already know the names of the candidates who are asking for your vote to be our representatives in Washington for the next two to six years. And despite the polling, we really won't know who will prevail until all the votes are counted.

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Think about the presidential race from 2024, for example. Remember how we voted in each county for that one? It was much closer than anyone anticipated.

The NJGOP has launched an Election Integrity Task Force after federal prosecutors said four noncitizens voted in federal elections in New Jersey. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke/Canva)

Blind voting?

Here's one big question we have to ask ourselves about that turnout for this years Senate and House elections so far. Were those early votes cast blindly? Unfortunately, far too many in New Jersey vote this way, and it's a problem.

Basically, blind voting is simply voting for a candidate without knowing anything about them. More often than not, we tend to vote strictly on party lines regardless if we know anything about who we're voting for.

In a way, this is why independents tend to decide our elections. They, for the most part, take their time researching the candidates and vote on who they feel will best represent us.

And we need more voters like that. But with that said, it begs another big issue that also leans into the problem we have when it comes to our elections in New Jersey.

Canva / TSM Illustration

Skipping the election

It's hard to know which is worse. Blind voting, or not voting at all? Educating yourself on the candidates is key, regardless of the party you belong to. Not blind voting. Not skipping your opportunity to vote.

Learn who's running, find out everything you can about them without being bias, and VOTE for the right candidate before heading to the polls. Full stop.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.