NJ-11 Special Election: A Voter Guide

A special election is rapidly approaching to fill the vacancy in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, previously held by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. This election has garnered significant attention, particularly following an unexpected outcome in the Democratic primary.

Key Dates and Voting Information

The general special election will take place on April 16. Polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Voting Options

  • Mail-in Voting: Ballots must be postmarked on or before 8 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Early Voting: Available from April 6 to April 14.

The Candidates

Three candidates are competing for the seat: the Democratic nominee, the Republican nominee, and one Independent candidate.

Analilia Mejia (Democrat)

Analilia Mejia is a New Jersey native and the daughter of Colombian and Dominican immigrants. She began her career as a union organizer and later served as the national political director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Mejia’s campaign platform includes canceling student loan debt, guaranteeing national paid sick days, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She has received endorsements from prominent figures such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

Joe Hathaway (Republican)

Joe Hathaway, the Republican nominee, is a lifelong New Jersey resident and former Mayor of Randolph. He previously served on Randolph’s Township Council.

Hathaway’s key campaign promises include eliminating taxes for first-time home buyers, lowering healthcare costs, and investing in transportation infrastructure. He received an endorsement from The New York Post last month.

Alan Bond (Independent)

Alan Bond, running as the “Hope for Tomorrow!” party candidate, is a Montclair resident with a background in Wall Street finance. He served six years in prison for investor fraud.

District and Registration Information

Only registered voters residing within New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District are eligible to vote in this special election. The district encompasses portions of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.

The voter registration deadline was March 26. Residents can confirm their registration status using the tool available on the state’s official website.

Democratic Primary Upset

Analilia Mejia’s victory in the Democratic primary was considered a significant upset. Most outlets had projected that former Rep. Tom Malinowski would win the nomination.

The Democratic National Convention even prematurely sent congratulatory emails to Malinowski on the night of the primary. Several news organizations, including The New Jersey Globe, initially projected Malinowski as the winner, but the race remained too close to call until the final results were tallied.