Today is Election Day, and in the State of New Jersey, every paper and radio station is reporting that a low turnout is expected. I am not posting this to instigate a political debate, but I would like to encourage every registered voter to take a few minutes to go their polling place and vote. There is still time, the polls do not close until 8:00 p.m. this evening.

I have heard many reasons why people are not going to the polls. "My vote won't make any difference," or "I am so busy, I don't have the time." Why not surprise everyone, and make a strong showing at the polls?

I am also busy, and occasionally feel that my vote really didn't matter, but I also believe that the fewer people that vote, the less the individuals holding office will listen to those that do. I vote in every election, not just the national ones.  Too many people have fought for our "right" to vote, that to not exercise that "right" seems to be disrespectful to those same people that fought on behalf of others.   

Here are some quick facts on NJ voting for you.

Today there is a projected 30% voter turnout expected. There are 8.7 million residents according to the State website, and 25% are under the age of 18, but according to the Asbury Park Press, there are only 4.7 million residents that are registered to vote, and reported that the last election where all the legislative seats were up saw a 34% voter turn out. Monmouth County has approximately 635,000 residents, with a little more than 25% under the age of 18, but is still only expecting 35% to turn out to vote.