Voter Turnout in New Jersey Drops by 7% in 2024 General Election
The 2024 general election in New Jersey saw a significant drop in voter turnout compared to previous years, with more than 4.3 million New Jerseyans casting their ballots, which was about 7% fewer than in 2020. Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly defeated Donald Trump by roughly 6 percentage points, a smaller margin than President Biden’s victory four years ago.
An analysis by NJ Spotlight News indicates that voter turnout decreased in every county, with some experiencing a drop of more than 10%. The decline is attributed to a variety of factors, including confusion over new voting equipment and a lack of voting machines. However, the introduction of early in-person voting saw more than 1.1 million people utilizing this option, demonstrating a shift in voting behavior.
The lower turnout had a negative impact on Harris, as Democratic support dropped significantly compared to previous elections. It is clear that enthusiasm for Harris did not match that of Biden, resulting in the narrowest victory margin for a Democratic presidential candidate in New Jersey this century. The rise in third-party votes also contributed to the lower total for Harris.
As both parties reflect on the results, there are lessons to be learned for next year’s gubernatorial election. New Jersey Democrats are urged to address the declining turnout among their supporters, while the Republican Party faces a decision on its stance in the Trump era. The upcoming GOP primary will be a key indicator of the party’s direction moving forward.
Overall, the 2024 election in New Jersey highlighted the changing dynamics of voter behavior and emphasized the need for both parties to adapt and engage with voters effectively.
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