Buyer's Remorse

By Iris Klein

Voters I speak to are either in a state of regret, or remorse.  Those who feel regret are wishing things could have been different, while those who feel remorse have a more intense feeling of sorrow as they see the consequences of their actions, or inaction, becoming personally detrimental or harmful to others.

Avoid buyer’s remorse after an election by doing a little homework before the election.  The New Jersey Primary will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.  It will determine the Democratic and Republican candidates for Governor, two representatives to our State Assembly in each district, as well as candidates for local offices.  An important part of the voting process is educating yourself about the candidates and what they can do for you and your family.

Do a little investigation to help protect the interests of the people you love.  Below are some resources that can provide you with detailed non-partisan information about candidate profiles and positions.

·       GUIDES.VOTE

·       VOTE 411.org

·       BALLOTPEDIA.org

·       VoteSmart.org

·       Attend or view candidate debates and forums

Begin thinking about the primary election now.  You might be wondering why it matters so much.  What is in it for you?  State elected officials make decisions that affect the costs and the quality of your life in New Jersey.   A strong state government can act as a safeguard against federal overreach.

                                                                                       Credit: Timothy Goodman

                                                                                                                    Norman Rockwell Unity Project

Your state elected officials will be directly responsible for the roads you drive on, the schools your children attend, the property taxes on your house.   Your state government has the power to step in to oppose federal laws on gun safety, the environment, women’s rights and voting rights that are not in New Jersey voters’ best interests.  Without learning more about the people running for office, you are leaving it up to others to choose.  You wouldn’t let someone you don’t know pick out the car you drive, or the house you live in.  Why let strangers pick the people who will represent your state and local government and make decisions that directly affect you and your family?

 Here are some state and local powers and responsibilities:

                  State                                                                          County/Local

·       State budget                                             School budgets and hiring of teachers

·       School curriculum                                  Infrastructure – roads, bridges, parks

·       Minimum wage                                       Board of Elections – voting process

·       Environmental standards                    Property Taxes

·       Gun laws                                                   Electric, Gas and Water management

·       Reproductive rights                              Police, Firefighters and EMTs

·       Drivers licenses

·       State judges

In the aftermath of an election, buyer’s remorse can affect much more than your pocketbook!  Take these three important steps to avoid buyer’s remorse: 

·       REGISTER to participate in the Primary Election. 

·       EDUCATE yourself on the best choice for your family. 

·       VOTE with knowledge in the New Jersey Primary Election!

Voter Registration Deadline – May 20, 2025

Early Voting Period – June 3-June 8, 2025

Gubernatorial Primary Election Day – June 10, 2025