Democrat,

The Fourth of July holiday is almost here, and although we are still living in a new reality because of COVID-19 we are certainly in a better position to celebrate our nation’s founding than our neighbors in many other states. We can all be thankful to Governor Phil Murphy and his team for leading us through this crisis and making the hard decisions needed to keep us safe. 

As we celebrate our Independence Day, we are reminded of the heroic, patriotic acts that helped make America possible. Today we can’t fight in a war for independence, but we can make our voices heard at the ballot box. The last four years have been a difficult time for our country, but if the Trump administration has one virtue it’s uniting Democrats behind a common goal and bringing more and more people into our party. This week, New Jersey passed a major milestone when Democratic voter registration surpassed Republican registration by more than 1 million voters for the first time ever. This is a testament not only to the effect President Trump has had on our state, but of the hard work and dedication of our state party, our local and county partners, grassroots advocates, allies in labor and progressive causes and everyone else who has worked to register new voters. We can’t stop now, and I expect our advantage to grow even larger by November with more and more residents completely fed up with Trump.  

We’re in crunch time for the Primary Election, with only four days to go until the deadline for Vote by Mail ballots to be mailed back on July 7. But there’s still time to mail your ballot in, and NJDSC just launched a video advertising campaign to remind Democrats to vote in the Primary. 

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.  Remember, mail your ballot by July 7 in order to be counted!

Yesterday our state took a major step forward that will provide much needed financial relief to thousands of hardworking educators as well as New Jersey taxpayers. Governor Phil Murphy signed a landmark new law to modernize health benefit plans offered to teachers, which will save up to $1 Billion in reduced costs for the state and local school districts. 

The new plans will finally rid the state of the Christie-era “Chapter 78” law that resulted in many teachers seeing less take home pay each year, and will create significant savings for taxpayers throughout New Jersey. After years of Chris Christie demonizing the men and women entrusted with teaching our children every day, we now have a Governor who stands by their side and worked to bring all parties together to find a reasonable solution to a major problem. That’s the kind of leadership New Jersey deserves.

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/

Thank you,

Chairman John Currie