Early in-person Republican voters in deep blue New Jersey are slightly outpacing their Democratic neighbors, according to recent data. Over the weekend, 247,003 residents cast their votes, with Republicans leading with 144,105 votes compared to Democrats' 139,524 votes as of Tuesday.
New Jersey Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli expressed enthusiasm over the Republican turnout, attributing it to increased early voting participation and effective outreach by local Republican organizations.
Despite Republicans leading in early in-person voting, Democrats maintain an advantage in vote-by-mail ballots, with 383,062 compared to 130,362 for Republicans. The state has a total of 6,562,735 registered voters, with 2,497,951 Democrats, 1,564,964 Republicans, and 2,420,522 unaffiliated voters.
New Jersey, historically a blue state, last voted for a Republican presidential candidate in 1988. Former President Donald Trump's emphasis on early voting has likely contributed to the surge in early voting numbers, with experts noting a shift among Republicans towards early in-person voting.
Trump's encouragement of early voting during his recent rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has resonated with his supporters, leading to a record number of early votes ahead of Election Day. Ben Dworkin, director of the Rowan University Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship, highlighted the impact of Trump's messaging on Republican voter behavior.
Trump's campaign efforts in New Jersey, including a rally in Wildwood beach, have energized Republican supporters. Ciattarelli expressed confidence in the Republican Party's prospects in New Jersey, stating that victory is achievable at all levels of the election.
With the election approaching, the dynamics of early voting in New Jersey reflect a notable engagement from Republican voters, setting the stage for a competitive electoral contest in the state.
