In a letter to Governor Mikie Sherrill, the Mayor and City Council thanked the Governor for signing legislation expanding seven days of early voting for May nonpartisan municipal elections. The new law strengthens ballot access and helps ensure voting rights are protected statewide.
The letter explains that this issue is personal for Hackensack. Just one year ago, current City leaders called for early voting in the City’s May election, as voters should not have to choose between work, family obligations, and participating in local democracy.
At the time, the previous administration used a legal “loophole” was used to block early voting, even though it would have come at no cost to local taxpayers. Although Bergen County arranged a last-minute workaround, the situation exposed a real gap in New Jersey’s framework. A voter’s zip code should never determine their access to the ballot box.
By signing the bill, Governor Sherrill closed that loophole and made early voting available statewide, regardless of municipality or election date. The City looks forward to continued partnership with the Governor and state leaders to advance practical, people-first reforms that strengthen democracy.
