Camden County, New Jersey

Election officials in Camden County, New Jersey, and Philadelphia are expanding outreach ahead of the midterm elections, with two weeks remaining until Election Day. Camden County Clerk Pamela Lampitt is running a series of election services events, offering remote ballot printing and mail-in ballot assistance at stops including Cold Springs Elementary, Camden County College's Blackwood Campus, and the Camden County Library's Voorhees Branch. In Philadelphia, City Commissioners Chairman Omar Sabir highlighted 11 satellite election offices where voters can request or reprint ballots and vote on the spot. Officials emphasized ballot security and accuracy, while voters said they want assurance their votes will be properly counted.

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Pennsauken Township, New Jersey, over delays in processing firearm carry permit applications. The DOJ announced the probe this week, alleging the delays violate the Second Amendment and citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that found lengthy waits for permit processing improperly deny citizens their right to public carry.

Township officials say their typical processing time runs four to six weeks, though Pennsauken has faced scrutiny over its firearm permitting practices in the past. The outcome could affect how local governments nationwide handle concealed and open carry applications amid continued legal pressure following the Supreme Court's expansion of gun rights.

In other South Jersey news, Collingswood officials are negotiating with Camden County over potential county support for the historic Scottish Rite Theater, which has required public subsidies since the pandemic. A financial evaluation and possible agreement details are still pending, with implications for the nonprofit currently operating the venue and its staff.