Voters headed to the polls in record numbers in New Jersey during the state’s early voting period from Oct. 26 through Nov. 3, told The Epoch Times that inflation, immigration, women’s and civil rights, stability, and normalcy were some of the major issues important to them in this contentious election season.
The named issues of concern were in alignment with those topping the minds of voters in other states, according to national polling, and many also mentioned that the vitriol that has been on display by both presidential candidates—Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump—has got to stop.
Wendel Thomas of Neptune said he wants his next president and chief executive to “be a person of gravitas, control, and of common sense.”
When asked major issues he believes are at stake, he said they are “balance, women’s rights, civil rights, and stability.”
“My first vote was in 1984 … each and every one is consequential,” Thomas said, adding that whether Trump or Harris become president, “the country will survive.”
Kevin Koonjy of Belmar echoed similar sentiments regarding the significance of this and previous elections, saying “every election has seemed monumental at the time for different reasons.”
“I don’t think this election is any more important than others, although social media has changed the cultural mindset, so for many, this election feels more consequential than others,” Koonjy said.
According to Koonjy, the future direction of the country will be influenced by this election, and Americans are unhappy with the leadership they’re seeing in D.C.
“Polls have shown that most Americans are not happy with the direction of the country or the decisions of our leaders. They are looking for change. The two candidates have drastically different approaches to leadership and vision for the future,” he said. “Whichever candidate wins, they will move the country in one direction or another.”
Both Thomas and Koonjy said the balance of power in Congress will impact how much the future president will affect change.
According to Thomas, the framers and founders of the country created a “multi-tiered system” to ensure there are checks and balances. “I disagree with the fact that one person, one administration can destroy this country,” Thomas said.
Koonjy said a “split leadership in the Congress and or Senate will limit the amount of change and legislation the president can get passed.”
“The legislative bodies have become diametrically opposed to each other and members follow the party line,” Koonjy said. “There is very little bipartisanship, and they seem unwilling to compromise to make the best decision for the country.” He added that, “the American electorate has also become very split, and civility and common sense no longer seem to apply.”
Another voter, Aric Blount of Asbury Park, pointed out there is a lack of civility when it comes to political discourse. Blount said he wants a return to “normalcy” and “to turn politics back to having discourse without this hyperbolic hate.”
“I think this is a consequential election because we have two candidates who are saying starkly different things,” Blount said.
As a civics teacher, Blount said he believes “it’s critical to get involved” and added “it’s a part of your civics responsibility.”
Two other top issues that voters nationwide cited as concerns were also among the top concerns for some New Jersey voters—the economy and illegal immigration.
Lauren Sherma of Neptune said she thinks this election is one of the most consequential ones in her lifetime and she is hopeful for the “price of daily things to go down, and interest rates to go down.”
“Every time I go to the supermarket, it costs $100,” Sherma said, adding that she has three children and she sees her family struggling financially due to inflation.
As it relates to immigration, Sherma said, “We have let way too many in and it’s impacting the economy.”
Another voter, Arthur Rumph of Brick, concurred with Sherma’s view and said, “prices were lower, and now that Biden is in there, everything is sky high.”
Rumph also brought up the open border with countless immigrants coming here illegally, saying his family all came to the country legally.
“We all came to this country, my ancestors came in 1790, but they came here legally,” Rumph said, questioning “how many terrorists are here” due to the open border.
Rumph said he is a registered Independent but is voting for Trump.
“If Harris is elected, who knows what will happen to this country,” he said.
According to Koonjy, both Trump and Harris have been ineffective in their campaigns, making it difficult to compare where each candidate stands as neither has focused on policies but have rather focused their campaigns on “personality and insults.”
“Neither campaign has done an effective job of staying on message, focusing on issues, or articulating their positions,” Koonjy said of what he’s heard. “They have spent their campaigns insulting each other and name calling, which is not productive in creating an informed electorate.”
Koonjy said he does not believe there will be no good outcome from the election.
“Regardless of who wins, there will continue to be great disdain for the other party,” Koonjy said. “Social media has greatly contributed to division, and the amount of misinformation that has been promulgated by both parties is intentionally focused on diverting attention to key issues.”
