By Kayla Cohen ‘21, News Writer

Many Newark Academy students may be unaware of the significant local election that will be held on November 6th this year. However, voting in local elections is extremely important, since those elected will represent your county in Congress. In addition, this year’s election could alter partisan control of the House, which is currently majority Republican. This opportunity to change control has caused both Democrats and Republicans to encourage others to vote in this election in order to maintain or change control of the house.

Many Newark Academy students live in District 11 (parts of Essex County, Morris County, Sussex County, and Passaic County), which has been represented by Rodney Frelinghuysen since 1994. Frelinghuysen announced in January that he would not be running for reelection, thus opening his seat for Congress.

Currently running to replace the retiring representative are Mikie Sherrill (Democrat), Jay Webber (Republican), Ryan Martinez (Libertarian), and Robert Crook (Honesty, Integrity, Compassion), all running in the general election. Some students even work as volunteers for candidates in the local election in order to spread the candidate’s message and encourage all parties to vote.

Recently, Loren Whitaker, the campaign manager for Democrat Mikie Sherrill, came and spoke to the Young Democrats Club, Young Republicans Club, and Think Tank. He discussed the ability students have to make a difference in elections even without voting, and how those who are eligible should take the time to vote in the coming election. Mikie Sherrill is a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor who is basing her campaign on building a brighter future for New Jersey. She believes that the education cuts that Congress is pushing for will decrease funding for schools and increase property taxes. She is also looking for new ways to prevent gun violence and give all Americans access to affordable health care.

Republican candidate Jay Webber wants to strengthen the Medicare system without providing healthcare for everyone, since that would require money that the government does not have. He serves in the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 26th Legislative District. Some of his important issues are securing the border by preventing illegal immigration, increasing national security, upholding traditional constitutional rights, and improving tax relief.

Ryan Martinez, the Libertarian candidate, is most concerned with revising the spending and the role of the United States government. The other third party candidate, Robert Crook, is focused on creating substantial jobs in New Jersey and balancing the federal budget.

Even those not eligible to vote in the coming election can create change in the community. From volunteering with a candidate to encouraging friends and family members to vote, you can help create the future you want. If you want to make your voice heard, vote in this upcoming election and create the change you want.

Website: https://patch.com/new-jersey/parsippany/nj-district-11-2018-congressional-primary-election-results