Wayne leaders want to cut number of voting districts
By: Philip DeVencentis
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
WAYNE- Officials want to simplify how people vote in statewide elections by abolishing the assignment of polling districts.
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The goal, they said, is to streamline an antiquated system in which voters are now scattered among 41 polling districts in 18 locations.
..... Since New Jersey law requires that all counties hold in-person early voting, members of the Township council said resources should be deployed more efficiently on Election Day. It is no longer necessary to have so many polling districts, they said.
..... The council on February 18 [2026] passed a resolution, sponsored by councilman Al Sadowski, to urge the Passaic County Board of Elections, the state Legislature and other decision-making bodies to give voters the freedom to cast ballots at any local polling district.
..... Sadowski, a Republican who serves the 2nd Ward, said the ability to case a ballot anywhere would increase participation among voters. If some polling districts are eliminated, he said, expenses would go down, because fewer poll workers would be needed. "It would save towns a lot of hassle," he said.
..... The council raised the issue after he Board of Education was concerned about security and decided to close schools for two days when special election were scheduled to fill congressional seat vacated by Governor Milkie Sherill. The state Department of Education would not permit remote instruction.
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Five schools are voting sites in the 11th congressional district.
..... Township Clerk Paul Margiotta, who recommends polling district to the county, said his office has tried to reduce the number of voting sites at schools as much as possible.. It is difficult, he said, because there are not many wheelchair-accessible locations whose owners are willing to host.
..... "Ive exhausted all possibilities," Margiotta said.
..... A prosed bill, sponsored by state, Senator James Beach, D-Camden, would allow a person to vote at any polling place in their municipality. The Voter convenience act was introduced on January 13. [2026]