Gubernatorial Position Statements Available on County Clerk's Website

OCEAN COUNTY Clerk Scott M. Colabella announced that the position statements of candidates running for New Jersey governor in the upcoming Nov. 7 General Election are now available to view at www.oceancountyclerk.com - the Ocean County Clerk's website.

Under New Jersey law, gubernatorial candidates in the general election are afforded the opportunity to submit statements up to 500 words about their candidacies to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) in an effort to guide voters. In prior gubernatorial elections the statements were printed on the Official Voting Machine Sample Ballots and mailed to voters.

In an effort to reduce the exorbitant mailing costs of the past, a new law was passed by the State Legislature and signed by Gov. Christie on Aug. 21, requiring the statements be posted on all 21 County Clerk websites as well as the webpages of the state Division of Elections and ELEC.

Colabella noted that in addition to the cost savings, with technology, it makes sense to provide easy, one click, access to this important information to voters online.

In addition, voters can now view and read the gubernatorial candidate position statements to assist them in making a determination well in advance of Election Day as opposed to viewing the statements on the printed mailed Sample Ballots only days prior to an election.

"This approach is more accessible and provides more time for voters to get to know the candidates that are running," Colabella said.

Individuals who do not have access to a computer or mobile device can obtain hard copies of the statements by contacting or visiting the Ocean County Clerk's Office at 118 Washington St., Toms River, or by calling the office at 732-929-2018.

"It's important everyone have the opportunity to access this important information," said Ocean County Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the Clerk's Office.