Voter Turnout in Princeton Lower Than Political Parties Hoped For

Some elected officials and people who are involved in local politics are lamenting the lower-than-expected turnout in Princeton for the Nov. 3 general election.

Just under 4,400 of the 17,558 registered voters in Princeton went to the polls on Tuesday, or about 25 percent of all registered voters in town.

In 2014, 36 percent of registered voters in Princeton participated in the general election. A U.S. Senate seat and a House of Representatives seat were on the ballot, along with a contentious local race for Princeton Council. In 2013, voter turnout was about 35 percent in Princeton. The gubernatorial race was on the ballot that year.

Supporters of State Assembly candidates Andrew Zwickler and Republican Donna Simon were lamenting the low turnout Wednesday morning. Only 30 ballots separated the two candidates as of late Tuesday night. Democrats were particularly disappointed about the Princeton turnout given how tight the race was. Democrats comprise just under half of the registered voters in Princeton.