Cherry Hill voters will start receiving mail-in ballots as soon as Saturday, Sept. 19, even as the state official who oversees New Jersey elections faces an internal investigation.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, who also serves as secretary of state and the state's chief election officer, is under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, NJ Spotlight News reported. NJ.com and other outlets have confirmed the probe. Caldwell has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, who served under Republican Gov. Chris Christie, is leading the investigation. The probe dates to at least May and was sparked by an anonymous tip, according to NJ.com, citing the New Jersey Globe's original reporting. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and looking into whether Caldwell offered state jobs improperly.
Caldwell has not commented publicly on the investigation, multiple outlets reported.
GOP calls for resignation
Republican lawmakers want Caldwell out. NJ GOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon said Sept. 7 that "that office cannot function under these circumstances" and called on Caldwell to resign both positions immediately.
State Senate Majority Leader Tony Bucco said the investigation "has been underway for months" and criticized Gov. Mikie Sherrill for leaving the state while Caldwell served as acting governor, the Record reported. Caldwell served as acting governor from Aug. 24 through Aug. 26, after the probe had reportedly already begun.
Sherrill, a Democrat who took office in January, has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation. In a Tuesday, Sept. 8, statement that did not name Caldwell, she said she takes reports of misconduct "extremely seriously" and pledged that "any credible report must be fully examined and addressed."
Caldwell cannot be removed as lieutenant governor unless the Legislature impeaches him. Conviction requires a two-thirds vote in the state Senate.
Ballots on track, officials say
Sherrill said Thursday, Sept. 10, that state and county election officials are in "close contact" ahead of the Saturday, Sept. 19, mailing deadline. County officials statewide are printing ballots and envelopes, according to NJ Spotlight News. About 900,000 mail-in ballots are expected to go out statewide between Sept. 19 and Oct. 27.
Neighboring Burlington County began mailing more than 52,000 ballots the week of Friday, Sept. 11, according to InsiderNJ. Burlington County Clerk Joanne Schwartz said in a statement that there are currently no impacts to New Jersey mail-voting procedures.
A separate federal fight adds uncertainty. A U.S. appeals court on Thursday, Sept. 10, blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a new Postal Service rule that would tighten mail-ballot requirements, Reuters reported. The administration has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which had not ruled as of Friday, Sept. 11.
What Cherry Hill voters should know
Cherry Hill sits in New Jersey's 1st Congressional District, which covers all of Camden County. The Nov. 3 ballot will include the House race between incumbent Democrat Donald Norcross and Republican Damon Galdo, plus the U.S. Senate contest between incumbent Democrat Cory Booker and Republican Justin Murphy, according to WHYY's voter guide.
Voters concerned about mail-ballot delivery can pick up a ballot in person at the county clerk's office from Sept. 19 through Nov. 2. Early voting runs Oct. 24 through Nov. 1. Provisional ballots are available at polling places on Election Day.
Voter registration closes Oct. 13.
