New Jersey's Special Primary Election: A Historic Opportunity for Young Voters

The special primary election to fill the congressional seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey's 11th District is notable for allowing 17-year-olds to vote for the first time. This change stems from the New Voter Empowerment Act, signed into law by former Governor Phil Murphy in 2024, which permits 17-year-olds to participate in primary elections if they will turn 18 by the subsequent general election. The primary election is scheduled for February 5, 2026, with early voting having commenced on January 29.

Could 17-year-old voters swing a Congress seat in NJ? Here's howRace to replace Sherrill in Congress marks first time some 17-year-olds can vote in a primaryNJ special election 2026: Early voting underway in 11th Congressional DistrictEarly voting begins in NJ special election • New Jersey Monitor

The 11th District, which encompasses parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties, features a crowded Democratic primary with 12 candidates, including former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski and former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. The Republican candidate, Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph, is running unopposed. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Hathaway in the general election on April 16, 2026.

Early voting begins in NJ special election • New Jersey Monitor

The introduction of 17-year-olds into the voting pool is seen as a potential game-changer in this election. Essex County Clerk Christopher Durkin reported that over 700 eligible 17-year-olds received sample ballots and notifications about their voting rights. However, historical data indicates that young voter turnout may be low; for instance, only 71 out of 1,796 newly eligible voters participated in Newark's recent school board election. The effectiveness of this new voting bloc in influencing the election outcome remains uncertain.

Race to replace Sherrill in Congress marks first time some 17-year-olds can vote in a primary

Supporters of the New Voter Empowerment Act argue that it aims to enhance democratic engagement among young people. State Senator Andrew Zwicker, a co-sponsor of the legislation, emphasized its role in strengthening democracy by involving younger voters. However, concerns have been raised about the short timeframe for public education regarding the new voting law, which may hinder participation.

Could 17-year-old voters swing a Congress seat in NJ? Here's how

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the new law, some critics express skepticism about its impact. Julia Sass Rubin, director of the public policy program at the Edward J. Bloustein School, noted that New Jersey's political landscape is heavily influenced by established political machines, which may limit the effectiveness of new voters in primary elections. Additionally, the unusual timing of the election on a Thursday in February has raised concerns about voter turnout.

Could 17-year-old voters swing a Congress seat in NJ? Here's how

While the law allows 17-year-olds to vote, it is unclear how many have registered for the upcoming primary. As of January 1, 2026, there were 601,236 registered voters in the 11th District, including 225,742 Democrats and 164,865 Republicans. The potential for a close race exists, as the winner may secure the nomination with less than 50% of the vote due to the large number of candidates.

Could 17-year-old voters swing a Congress seat in NJ? Here's how

The special general election will take place on April 16, 2026, following the primary. The eventual winner will serve the remainder of Sherrill's term, which concludes on January 3, 2027, and will subsequently need to run in the June primaries and November general election for a full term.

Could 17-year-old voters swing a Congress seat in NJ? Here's how