This Is Not an Off-Year

Middletown, and the whole of Monmouth County, for that matter, is often seen as a Republican stronghold. However, as Oscar Wilde said, “the truth is rarely pure and never simple.” Monmouth County is about as “purple” as you can get. In Middletown alone, we have roughly twice as many unaffiliated voters as either registered Democrats or Republicans. What this means is no one has a lock on power here. Your vote can make the difference, but you need to vote.

The problem, though, is that far too many of us stay home. In the last local election, thousands of registered voters across Middletown sat it out. Across New Jersey, the turnout in so-called “off- years” can dip below 40%. This means that the decisions that shape our taxes, our schools, and our communities are being made by less than half the people who could be voting.

But here’s the thing – there are no off-year elections. 2025 is no exception. This election is not a placeholder until the mid-terms. This is the election that will set the tone for everything to come. If you don’t like what you see in Washington – whether it’s the assault on free speech, military in the streets, or the dismantling of government agencies that keep us alive – don’t wait for someone else to fix it. This is your chance to do something about it.

And how can you do something? By voting. When historically Republican-leaning towns like Middletown elect Democrats, it sends a message that cannot be ignored. It says we are not happy. It says that if Congress forgets its role as a co-equal branch of government, voters will remind them. It says that if a politician doesn’t do their job and represent all of their constituents, they won’t have their job after the midterms. This is the power you have. And we can promise you: that message will be heard.

So, on November 4th—or sooner if you choose to vote early—vote. Remind your friends to vote. If someone needs a ride to the polls, offer to take them. If they have questions about the candidates, reach out, we will be there and we are more than happy to answer. The only way our voices are silenced is if we silence ourselves.

This is not an off-year. This is your year. Remember to vote!

Jeremy Seideman and Shawn Wallach are the Democratic candidates for Middletown Township Committee