Masses converged on downtown Lakewood on Sunday as thousands of residents poured into the township’s sole early voting site on the final day of early voting, creating scenes more reminiscent of a carnival than a polling place.
Lines are snaking around the block and traffic was gridlocked for blocks in every direction, as voters streamed in throughout the afternoon. The unusually intense turnout comes amid one of the tightest statewide races in recent memory — with Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill neck and neck in the latest polls.
The turnout surge follows weeks of aggressive campaigning in Lakewood, where residents have been urged to cast their ballots early. But the limited number of early voting locations — just one for the entire township — has amplified frustrations.
The Ocean County Board of Elections has faced mounting criticism for not expanding access, despite Lakewood’s rapid growth and its status as one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the U.S. The single site – in the municipal building – has struggled to accommodate the surge of voters.
With Election Day just two days away and polls showing a statistical tie, the Ciattarelli campaign is eyeing Lakewood as a critical swing bloc that could help decide one of the most closely watched races in New Jersey’s history.