General Election Voter Information
Palestinian American Community Center 388 Lakeview Ave Clifton, NJ 07011 paccusa.org | @paccusa
VOTING PROCESS Voting Support Hotlines: General Election Questions: 844-YallaUS (844-925-5287) Election Protection Specific Questions: 866-Our-Vote (866687-8683)
Vote by Mail: All active registered voters in New Jersey will automatically receive their ballots in the mail, at the address where the voter is registered. Then it’s as easy as VOTE, SIGN, SEAL, RETURN. How you return it is up to you. 1- Mail: It must be postmarked on or before November 3 and be received by your county’s Board of Elections on or before November 10. 2- (NEW) Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place your ballot in one of your county’s secure ballot drop boxes by 8:00 p.m. on November 3.
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VOTING PROCESS Vote by Mail: Clifton City of Clifton 900 Clifton Avenue Clifton 07013
Front entrance next to the tax drop box
Clifton City of Clifton (Community Rec Center) 1232 Main Ave Clifton 07011
On sidewalk in front of building
Paterson Paterson-County of Passaic Admin Bldg Corner of Clark St & Degrasse St Paterson 07505
Next to Entrance Door
Paterson City of Paterson St. Joseph’s Hospital 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503 Paterson 07503
Visitor’s Entrance Door
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VOTING PROCESS Vote by Mail: 3- Board of Elections Office: Deliver your ballot in person to your county’s Board of Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on November 3.
4- Polling Place: Bring your ballot to your polling place by 8:00p.m. on election day, November 3. Remember only you, the voter, can bring your ballot to your polling place on election day.
Vote in Person: Yes, but only by paper provisional ballot. If you go to a polling location to vote on Election Day, you will be provided with a paper provisional ballot. If you have a disability that prevents you from voting on a paper ballot, you will be provided access to an accessible voting device. Also, a voter may drop off their vote by mail ballot at their polling place. The November 3rd, 2020 General Election is being conducted
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primarily by vote by mail. If you haven’t received your vote by mail ballot, please contact your county clerk. Find your polling location (based of your zip code) here: https:// nj.gov/state/elections/votepolling-location.shtml
WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?: Public Question # 1: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?
YES
Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis. The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax. If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products. INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”. Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.
NO
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market. This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program. The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature. All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax. If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.
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WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?: Public Question # 2: PROPERTY TAX DEDUCTION AND EXEMPTION FOR PEACETIME VETERANS
YES
Do you approve amending the Constitution to give a $250 property tax deduction to veterans who did not serve in time of war? Do you also approve amending the Constitution to give a 100 percent property tax exemption to certain totally disabled veterans who did not serve in time of war? The widow or widower of these veterans also would receive this $250 deduction or 100 percent exemption after the veteran’s death.
INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT
NO
This amendment would give a $250 property tax deduction to veterans who did not serve in time of war. The widow or widower of a veteran who did not serve in time of war would receive this deduction after the veteran’s death. The amendment also extends the 100 percent property tax exemption for disabled veterans to veterans who became disabled during peacetime military service.
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WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?: Public Question # 2:
NO
Persons who became disabled during peacetime military service and reside in a continuing care retirement community would not receive the 100 percent exemption for disabled veterans. Currently, these property tax deductions and exemptions are only given to veterans who served during time of war. The amendment would give the deductions and exemptions to veterans who did not serve in wartime
Public Question # 3:
YES
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO CHANGE THE LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING SCHEDULE IF CENSUS DATA IS DELAYED Do you approve amending the Constitution to change when new legislative districts are created if the federal census data is delayed? The current COVID-19 pandemic has delayed census data collection. If New Jersey does not receive the census data in a timely manner, new legislative districts may not be ready in time for State legislative elections in the year ending in one.
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Public Question # 3:
YES
This change to the redistricting schedule will allow legislators to be elected that year from their existing districts for their two-year term in office. The new districts will be used starting with the next scheduled general election for the State legislature. INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT This constitutional amendment changes when new legislative districts are created if the federal census data is delayed. The United States Constitution requires that a census be taken every ten years to count the people living in the country. Census data is then used to create new legislative districts to ensure residents have equal representation from elected officials. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has delayed census data collection. This may delay census data to the states and may affect the creation of new legislative districts.
NO
The State Constitution requires an Apportionment Commission to create new legislative districts every ten years after the federal census is completed. If the census data is delayed, the new legislative districts may not be created in a timely manner to hold elections. This constitutional amendment requires the commission to delay creating the new districts if the Governor receives the federal census data after February 15 of the year ending in one. The commission will adopt the new districts after the November general election, but not later than March 1 of the year ending in two.
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Public Question # 3: The new districts will be used starting with legislative elections in the year ending in three. They will continue to be used until new districts are again created by the Apportionment Commission after the next federal census. For the June primary and November general elections in the year ending in one, Senators and Assembly members will use their existing districts to run for a term of two years. The old districts will also be in effect in the year ending in two if any legislative election is held in that year.
NO
This amendment requires the commission to begin conducting its business when the Governor receives the census data. It also requires the eleventh member of the commission to be appointed by the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court within one month after the Governor receives the census data. Nothing in this amendment will alter the appointment of the members of the commission made by the State political party chairs pursuant to Article IV, Section III, paragraph 1 of the State Constitution on or before November 15, and certified by the Secretary of State on or before December 1, of the year in which the census is taken.
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US President: DONALD J. TRUMP* ( VICE PRESIDENT MICHAEL R. PENCE)
Republican
Democrat JOSEPH R. BIDEN ( VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA D. HARRIS) CONSTITUTION PARTY DON BLANKENSHIP ( VICE PRESIDENT WILLIAM MOHR) ROQUE "ROCKY" DE LA FUENTE ( VICE PRESIDENT DARCY G. RICHARDSON)
ALLIANCE PARTY
UNITY PARTY AMERICA BILL HAMMONS ( VICE PRESIDENT ERIC BODENSTAB) Green Party HOWIE HAWKINS ( VICE PRESIDENT ANGELA WALKER) Libertarian Party JO JORGENSEN ( VICE PRESIDENT SPIKE COHEN) SOCIALISM AND LIBERATION GLORIA ESTELA LA RIVA ( VICE PRESIDENT SUNIL FREEMAN)
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US Senate: CORY BOOKER *
Democratic
RIKIN "RIK" MEHTA
Republican
DANIEL BURKE LAROUCHE WAS RIGHT VERONICA FERNANDEZ
OF, BY, FOR!
MADELYN R. HOFFMAN
Green Party
US House of Representatives: Ninth Congressional District: BERGEN (part)HUDSON (part) - PASSAIC (part) Counties BILL PASCRELL JR. *
Democratic
BILLY PREMPEH
Republican
CHRIS AURIEMMA
VETERAN FOR CHANGE
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US State Senate: Twenty-Fifth Legislative District: MORRIS part)SOMERSET (part) Counties ANTHONY M. BUCCO *
Republican
RUPANDE MEHTA
Democratic
US General Assembly: Twenty-Fifth Legislative District: MORRIS part)SOMERSET (part) Counties AURA K. DUNN *
Republican
DARCY DRAEGER
Democratic
Passaic County ONLY Members of the Board of Chosen Freeholders:
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BRUCE JAMES
Democratic
THEORDORE TJ BEST
Democratic
WILLIAM E. MARSALA
Republican
MATTHEW P. CONLON
Republican
Clifton ONLY) Clifton School District Members of the Board of Education: JIM SMITH FERAS AWWAD FAHIM K. ABEDRABOO
Moving Clifton Forward
Paterson ONLY) Paterson School District Members of the Board of Education JONATHAN HODGES SHANIKWA LEMON JOEL D. RAMIREZ DANIA MARTINEZ
The Educational Advocate
HERMAN IRVING III
Paterson Children First
KENNETH L. SIMMONS
Paterson Children First
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DEFINITIONS: Symbols: “ * ” after an elected officials name = they are an incumbent (the person is already in office for that position)
Job Descriptions for each Seat in Office: US President: The President is both the head of state and head of government of the United States of America, and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Under Article II of the Constitution, the President is responsible for the execution and enforcement of the laws created by Congress. The President has the power either to sign legislation into law or to veto bills enacted by Congress, although Congress may override a veto with a two-thirds vote of both houses. US Vice President: The primary responsibility of the Vice President of the United States is to be ready at a moment’s notice to assume the Presidency if the President is unable to perform his duties. This can be because of the President’s death, resignation, or temporary incapacitation, or if the Vice President and a majority of the Cabinet judge that the President is no longer able to discharge the duties of the presidency. The Vice President also serves as the President of the United States Senate, where he or she casts the deciding vote in the case of a tie. US Senate: Each state has two senators and they are elected directly by the people. The Senate uses committees for a variety of purposes,
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including the review of bills and the oversight of the executive branch. The Senate maintains several powers to itself: 1) It ratifies treaties by a two-thirds supermajority vote and 2) it confirms the appointments of the President by a majority vote and 3) it can try a government official who commits a crime against the United States. The Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials, essentially serving as jury and judge. US House of Representatives: Members of the House are representatives from each state. As per the Constitution, the U.S. House of Representatives makes and passes federal laws. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. The duties carried out by a Member of Congress are understood to include representation, legislation, and constituent service and education, as well as political and electoral activities.The number of voting representatives in the House is fixed by law at no more than 435, proportionally representing the population of the 50 states. US State Senate: State senators represent certain districts within their own state, so only residents in those areas can vote for them. U.S. senators represent both their own state and the nation as a whole, while state senators are only responsible for legislation that affects the state. US General Assembly: Alongside the New Jersey State Senate, the New Jersey General Assembly forms the legislative branch of the New Jersey state government and works alongside the governor of New Jersey to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the New Jersey General Assembly include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.
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Political Parties Stances on Key Issues: Republican: 1- Immigration: “END ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AND PROTECT AMERICAN WORKERS - Block Illegal Immigrants from Becoming Eligible for Taxpayer-Funded Welfare, Healthcare, and Free College Tuition, Mandatory Deportation for Non-Citizen Gang Members, Dismantle Human Trafficking Networks. - End Sanctuary Cities to Restore our Neighborhoods and Protect our Families - Prohibit American Companies from Replacing United States Citizens with Lower-Cost Foreign Workers - Require New Immigrants to Be Able to Support Themselves Financially”
2- Foreign Policy/ Palestine (and Israel): “AMERICA FIRST FOREIGN POLICY - Stop Endless Wars and Bring Our Troops Home - Get Allies to Pay their Fair Share - Maintain and Expand America’s Unrivaled Military Strength - Wipe Out Global Terrorists Who Threaten to Harm Americans - Build a Great Cybersecurity Defense System and Missile Defense System - Like the United States of America, the modern state of Israel is a country born from the aspiration for freedom and stands out among the nations as a beacon of democracy and humanity. Beyond our mutual strategic interests, Israel is likewise an exceptional country that shares our most essential values. It is the only country in the Middle East where freedom of speech and freedom of religion are found. Therefore, support for Israel is an expression of Americanism, and it is the responsibility of our government to advance policies that reflect Americans’ strong desire for a relationship with no daylight between America and Israel.
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Political Parties Stances on Key Issues: Republican: - We reaffirm America’s commitment to Israel’s security and will ensure that Israel maintains a qualitative military edge over any and all adversaries. We support Israel’s right and obligation to defend itself against terror attacks upon its people and against alternative forms of warfare being waged upon it legally, economically, culturally, and otherwise. - We reject the false notion that Israel is an occupier and specifically recognize that the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement (BDS) is anti-Semitic in nature and seeks to destroy Israel. Therefore, we call for effective legislation to thwart actions that are intended to limit commercial relations with Israel, or persons or entities doing business in Israel or in Israeli-controlled territories, in a discriminatory manner.”
Democrat: 1- Immigration: “CREATING A 21ST CENTURY IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
- We will immediately terminate the Trump Administration’s discriminatory
travel and immigration bans that disproportionately impact Muslim and African people, and invite those whose visas have been denied under these xenophobic and un-American policies to re-apply to come to the United States. - We will reinstate, expand, and streamline protections for Dreamers and the parents of American citizen children to keep families together in the communities they have long called home. - Democrats believe it is long past time to provide a roadmap to citizenship for the millions of 33 undocumented workers, caregivers, students, and children who are an essential part of our 34 economy and of the fabric of our nation.”
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Democrat: 2- Foreign Policy/ Palestine (and Israel): - “Democrats will revitalize American diplomacy to ensure that the United States remains the world’s pivotal power and a principled force for peace and prosperity. - The United States should be at the head of the table whenever the safety and well-being of Americans is at stake, working in common cause with our allies and partners. - Time and again, the Trump Administration has stormed out, leaving America’s seat at the table vacant and American interests on the menu. Americans deserve better. - Democrats believe a strong, secure, and democratic Israel is vital to the interests of the United 10 States. Our commitment to Israel’s security, its qualitative military edge, its right to defend itself, 11 and the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding is ironclad. - Democrats recognize the worth of every Israeli and every Palestinian. That’s why we will work to help bring to an end a conflict that has brought so much pain to so many. We support a negotiated two-state solution that ensures Israel’s future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders and upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own. - Democrats oppose any unilateral steps by either side—including annexation—that undermine prospects for two states. Democrats will continue to stand against incitement and terror. - We oppose settlement expansion. We believe that while Jerusalem is a matter for final status negotiations, it should remain the capital of Israel,
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an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths. Democrats will restore U.S.-Palestinian diplomatic ties and critical assistance to the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, consistent with U.S. law. We oppose any effort to unfairly single out and delegitimize Israel, including at the United Nations or through the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement, while protecting the Constitutional right of our citizens to free speech.”
Green Party: 1- Immigration: - “The Green Party stands firmly for social justice for all those living
in this country regardless of their immigration status. Above all, policy and law must be humane. Anything less would be inconsistent with our Green Values, and with our nation’s values. - The undocumented immigrants who are already residing and
working in the United States, and their families, should be granted a legal status which includes the chance to become U.S. citizens. Persons should be excluded from this process only if they present a clear and present danger to other members of our society. - The Green Party must consider immigration issues from an
international standpoint, taking into account international labor and environmental standards, and human rights.”
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Green Party: 2- Foreign Policy/ Palestine (and Israel): - “Our Green values oblige us to support popular movements for
peace and demilitarization in Israel-Palestine, especially those that reach across the lines of conflict to engage both Palestinians and Israelis of good will. - We reaffirm the right of self-determination for both Palestinians
and Israelis, which precludes the self-determination of one at the expense of the other. We recognize the historical and contemporary cultural diversity of Israeli-Palestinian society, including the religious heritage of Jews, Christians, Muslims and others. This is a significant part of the rich cultural legacy of all these peoples and it must be respected. To ensure this, we support equality before international law rather than appeals to religious faith as the fair basis on which claims to the land of Palestine-Israel are resolved. - We reject U.S. unbalanced financial and military support of Israel
while Israel occupies Palestinian lands and maintains an apartheidlike system in both the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in Israel toward its non-Jewish citizens. Therefore, we call on the U.S. President and Congress to suspend all military and foreign aid, including loans and grants, to Israel until Israel withdraws from the Occupied Territories, dismantles the separation wall in the Occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem, ends its siege of Gaza and its apartheid-like system both within the Occupied Palestinian Territories and in Israel toward its non-Jewish citizens.
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2- Foreign Policy/ Palestine (and Israel): - We also reject U.S. political support for Israel and demand that
the U.S. government end its veto of Security Council resolutions pertaining to Israel. We urge our government to join with the U.N. to secure Israel’s complete withdrawal to the 1967 boundaries and its compliance with international law.�
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Palestinian American Community Center 388 Lakeview Ave Clifton, NJ 07011 paccusa.org | @paccusa