Democrat,

We’ve all been working together over the last three months to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our state. It has not been easy, and far too many of our brothers and sisters have been lost to this deadly disease. But we’re making incredible progress thanks to leaders like Governor Phil Murphy who have consistently put science and data over politics. For proof of how effective Governor Murphy’s response to the crisis has been, we can look at the fact that New Jersey is one of just four states on track to contain COVID-19. 

Don’t let up now -- keep wearing your mask, practicing social distancing, washing your hands and doing your part to beat COVID-19. 

Today Governor Murphy and Education Commissioner Lamont Repollet released guidelines for reopening New Jersey’s schools in September. This is a major step forward that will allow parents to return to work and students to come back to the classroom in a safe, responsible way. The plan is based on four main principles: 

- Ensuring a conducive and learning atmosphere

- Supporting educational leaders with planning

- Providing policy guidance and necessary funding to schools

- Securing continuity of learning

You can read the full plan here, including guidelines for social distancing, mask wearing and much more.

While New Jersey continues to make progress in handling COVID-19, other states are unfortunately facing some of the same challenges we saw in the spring. With several states now showing significant increases in key metrics like spot positivity rate, new hospitalizations and more, Governor Murphy joined with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to announce a mandatory 14 Day Quarantine policy for people traveling from a state with fast increasing cases. 

For up to date information regarding new cases and directives regarding coronavirus, visit the state’s dedicated COVID-19 Information Hub or follow Governor Murphy’s official pages on social media. 

Twitter: @GovMurphy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/governorphilmurphy/

This week the DNC announced that the Democratic National Convention will be moving mostly to an online, remote format due to COVID-19. I commend the DNC for taking the responsible step to move to a remote convention environment that will allow our party to unite behind Joe Biden in a safe way. It’s unfortunate that our delegation will not be traveling to Milwaukee, but we must remain focused on the bigger picture of defeating Donald Trump this November and this is the right way to proceed in that mission. 

Our NJDSC team is working closely with county and local Democratic organizations to monitor Vote by Mail returns and provide accurate data for phone banking and other activities designed to boost turnout. We’ve put together this handy guide to the upcoming Vote by Mail Primary Election including important dates and deadlines, procedures for voting both by mail and in-person for those who cannot vote by mail, and more. Check out our VBM Guide and share it with your networks to help us make sure that all Democrats are able to exercise their right to vote. 

If you have not yet received a ballot you can check the status of your ballot here. 

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie