The state of New Jersey is abbreviated as NJ. According to countryaah, the capital of New Jersey is Trenton, and the other major cities are Newark, Jersey City, Paterson and Elizabeth. Newark is the largest city in the state with a population of 282,090. It is known for its vibrant downtown scene and cultural attractions such as museums and theaters. Jersey City is the second largest city in New Jersey with a population of 264,290 and it’s known for its close proximity to nearby attractions such as Liberty State Park and outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Paterson is the third largest city in New Jersey with a population of 146,199 and it’s known for its proximity to nearby universities such as Rutgers University-New Brunswick and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
Politics in New Jersey
New Jersey is known for its political diversity and complex history. The state has a long history of both Democratic and Republican dominance, with the two parties often competing for control of the state government. In recent years, Democrats have held a solid majority in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature, while Republicans have been more successful in statewide elections.
New Jersey is known as a “blue state,” meaning that it leans heavily toward Democrats in presidential elections. However, New Jersey has also elected Republican governors in recent years, including Chris Christie (2009-2018). Christie was popular among many New Jerseyans due to his fiscal conservatism and willingness to work with both Democrats and Republicans on issues such as pension reform and economic development.
The current Governor of New Jersey is Democrat Phil Murphy, who was elected in 2017. Murphy has focused on progressive policies such as increasing the minimum wage, expanding access to healthcare and investing in public transportation. He has also been an advocate for gun control measures such as universal background checks and banning certain types of assault weapons. Murphy’s administration has also taken steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through initiatives such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
New Jersey’s congressional delegation consists of 11 representatives from each party split evenly along party lines – six Democrats and five Republicans. The state’s two senators are Cory Booker (D) and Bob Menendez (D). In national politics, New Jersey tends to vote Democratic during presidential elections but can be more competitive during midterm elections when voters tend to focus on local issues rather than national ones.
Elections in New Jersey
Elections in New Jersey are held at the federal, state, and local levels. The state holds elections for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, US Senate and House of Representatives, and all 120 seats in the New Jersey Legislature. Elections are also held for local offices such as county executive, freeholder, mayor and council members. In addition to these races, citizens of New Jersey can vote on ballot questions that can change laws or amend the state constitution.
The primary election system is used to nominate candidates for general elections. In a primary election, voters choose a candidate from their party of enrollment to represent the party in the general election. The two major parties in New Jersey are the Democratic Party and Republican Party; However, independent candidates may also run in general elections if they meet certain requirements established by law.
Voter registration is open to all citizens who are 18 years or older on or before Election Day and who have lived in their district for at least 30 days prior to Election Day. To register to vote online or update an existing voter registration record, voters must have a valid driver’s license or non-driver ID issued by the State of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Voters can also register by mail using a paper form available from their county commissioner of registration office or municipal clerk’s office.
In order to ensure fair and secure elections, New Jersey utilizes a variety of voting systems including direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines that record votes electronically as well as optical scan voting machines that read paper ballots filled out by voters at the polling place. All machines are tested prior to each election to ensure accuracy and integrity of results. Additionally, New Jersey has implemented measures such as provisional ballots which allow voters who believe they are registered but whose name does not appear on voter rolls due to clerical errors or other issues to cast their ballot while ensuring their eligibility is verified before it is counted.
New Jersey takes its electoral system seriously with strict laws governing campaign finance disclosure requirements for candidates seeking public office as well as prohibitions against certain forms of political activity such as bribery and coercion aimed at influencing an election outcome. As such, New Jersey strives to maintain fair and open elections where every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in selecting representatives who will work for them in government.
Major Counties in New Jersey
According to topbbacolleges, New Jersey is home to 21 counties, each with its own unique character and culture. From the bustling cities of Newark and Jersey City to the beach towns of Atlantic City and Cape May, New Jersey has something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the major counties in New Jersey:
Bergen County: Located in northeast New Jersey, Bergen County is one of the most populous counties in the state. Home to seven cities and over 70 townships, Bergen County is known for its diverse population and vibrant communities. Major attractions include historic sites such as The Hermitage Museum & Gardens and The Tenafly Nature Center, as well as shopping centers like The Outlets at Bergen Town Center and Paramus Park Mall.
Essex County: Located in northeast New Jersey, Essex County is home to five cities including Newark—the largest city in the state—and many suburbs. Major attractions include Branch Brook Park—the oldest county park in America—as well as The Newark Museum and Turtle Back Zoo. Shopping centers such as Livingston Mall, Westfield Garden State Plaza Mall, and The Mills at Jersey Gardens are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Hudson County: Located in northeast New Jersey along the Hudson River, Hudson County is home to seven cities including Hoboken—one of the most densely populated areas in America—and numerous suburbs. Major attractions include Liberty State Park—which offers stunning views of Manhattan skyline—as well as Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Liberty Science Center. Shopping centers like Newport Centre Mall are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Middlesex County: Located south of Mercer County on Raritan Bay, Middlesex County is home to nine cities including New Brunswick—the county seat—and numerous suburbs. Major attractions include Rutgers University’s main campus located here as well as East Brunswick’s Crystal Springs Family Waterpark & Resort. Shopping centers such as Menlo Park Mall are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Monmouth County: Located on the Atlantic Coast between Ocean Grove and Long Branch, Monmouth County is home to 18 townships including Asbury Park—a beach town known for its vibrant music scene—and numerous suburbs. Major attractions include Sandy Hook Beach & Recreation Area as well as Six Flags Great Adventure amusement park located here near Jackson Township’s Metedeconk River Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Shopping centers such as Freehold Raceway Mall are also popular destinations for locals and visitors alike.
Major Cities in New Jersey
According to acronymmonster, New Jersey is home to many bustling cities, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Here’s a look at some of the major cities in the state:
Newark: Located in Essex County, Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and the county seat. It is a center for business and culture, with many entertainment venues and cultural attractions such as The Newark Museum, Branch Brook Park—the oldest county park in America—and Prudential Center arena. Newark also has a vibrant nightlife scene and hosts several annual festivals like Juneteenth Celebration.
Jersey City: Located in Hudson County along the Hudson River, Jersey City is one of the most densely populated areas in America. Known as “Wall Street West” for its many financial institutions, it also offers plenty of cultural attractions like Liberty State Park—which offers stunning views of Manhattan skyline—as well as Ellis Island Immigration Museum and Liberty Science Center. Shopping centers like Newport Centre Mall are also popular destinations here.
Trenton: Located in Mercer County on the Delaware River, Trenton is the state capital of New Jersey. It has an old-world charm that can be seen throughout its historic downtown area, which features landmarks such as Old Barracks Museum and New Jersey State House. Trenton also offers plenty of modern attractions like The Capital Complex sports complex and Waterfront Park along the Delaware River.
Camden: Located across from Philadelphia on the Delaware River, Camden is one of the poorest cities in New Jersey but still has much to offer visitors. Major attractions include Adventure Aquarium—the largest aquarium on the East Coast—as well as Camden Children’s Garden and Wiggins Waterfront Park along Cooper River. Shopping centers such as The Shops at Liberty Place are also popular here.
Atlantic City: Located on Absecon Island along Atlantic Ocean coastline, Atlantic City is best known for its casinos but there’s much more to this city than just gambling. Major attractions include Steel Pier amusement park as well Borgata Casino & Spa complex offering entertainment for all ages. Shopping centers such as The Walk Outlets offer great deals on designer brands while Boardwalk Hall hosts concerts by top acts year round.
Paterson: Located on Passaic River near Great Falls National Historical Park, Paterson was once an industrial hub but now serves primarily as a residential city with a thriving arts scene thanks to venues like Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park Visitors Center & Art Gallery which showcase local talent from around New Jersey. Shopping centers such as Riverside Square Mall are also popular here while nearby Lambert Castle offers spectacular views of Paterson skyline.