Jersey Shore

New Jersey holds its general election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with voter registration closed as of October 13 and mail-in ballot requests due by October 27. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. statewide. Top races include the U.S. Senate contest, where Democratic incumbent Cory Booker faces Republican Justin Murphy and several third-party and write-in candidates. All 12 of New Jersey's House seats are also on the ballot, with the 2nd Congressional District drawing particular attention as Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew, who switched parties in 2019, defends his seat against Democratic challenger Zack Mullock, mayor of Cape May, and independent Ramon Mora Jr.

A nor'easter bringing high winds and rough seas is prompting flood preparations along the Jersey Shore, particularly in low-lying bayside communities like Seaside Heights. Residents living along Barnegat Bay have begun moving outdoor furniture, vehicles, and equipment ahead of expected bay flooding, with some areas already seeing water intrusion. Local officials say they are monitoring the storm closely and are prepared to order evacuations in vulnerable areas if conditions worsen.

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has declared a state of emergency across eight counties, including Ocean, Middlesex, and Monmouth, as the storm approaches. Officials point to lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 as shaping the region's current storm readiness, with emergency management teams and first responders on standby. The situation underscores recurring flood risks facing shore communities during seasonal coastal storms.