Onboard Yourself: Get Started (or Re-Started) in Local Elections

Your One-Hour(ish) Crash Course to Plug Into Cumberland County Politics


Introduction

Whether you’re brand new to local politics or you’ve been paying attention but still feel like you’re missing pieces, you’re not alone. Even people who work in this space often don’t know everything happening across the county — and plenty of times I’ve told candidates or elected officials about an issue they weren’t aware of. The truth is, the information is scattered, the processes are confusing, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed or tune out. This page is here to help change that.

In about an hour, you can set yourself up with a strong starting point: knowing where to follow the people who make decisions (and those running for office), connecting with the political parties and coalitions shaping the conversation, and understanding where to find the information you’ll need before you vote. You won’t leave here fully informed — but you will leave knowing you’re properly on the path.

Suggested Steps

  1. Step 1: Plug Into the Players & the Process: The most practical first step is to follow the people and groups shaping our local elections. Go through the list, follow the available social media pages, bookmark websites on desktop, and add websites to your home screen on your smartphone. But don't just follow them, reach out to them with a message to let them know you're interested in the process and ask whatever election related questions you may have.


  2. Step 2: Internalize the Popular Issues: Before you can evaluate candidates, you need to know where you stand on the key issues.
    • Our Issues page offers a simple overview of ongoing and popular issues at the county and state level. Use this to help frame your priorities and prepare questions for candidates.
    • Watch for how candidates address these issues on their pages — comparing their public statements to your priorities is the start of real evaluation.


  3. Step 3: Check the Political & Election Calendar: Politics moves on a schedule — don’t miss it.
    • Mark election dates: Check the NJ Election Calendar for vote-by-mail, early voting, and Election Day deadlines.
    • Know when your local government meets: Use our consolidated Google Calendar for county, township, and school board meetings.
    • Set reminders: Put these dates in your phone so they don’t sneak up on you.
    • Make it practical: Even if you can’t attend every meeting, try showing up once in a while — if you’re free on a Wednesday night, consider attending a Vineland School Board meeting. It’s one of the easiest ways to see your officials in action.


  4. Step 4: Show Up & Speak Up: Go where the candidates and officials are.
    • Attend events where candidates are present — forums, breakfasts, casual meet-and-greets — and ask them election-related questions. Use our consolidated calendar to track opportunities.
    • Check out recurring events like the Republican bi-weekly breakfast at Eastlyn Golf Course. For Democrats, monitor their Facebook group for announcements (though event posting has been inconsistent).
    • Subscribe to school district and city event calendars for meetings and community events that shape the local conversation.


  5. Step 5: Join the Conversation: Share what you find. Ask questions. Help others get informed.
    • Contribute to our Inform The Vote NJ Facebook Group. If you find helpful election-related information or have good questions, post them. We’re all trying to stay on the same page.
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We hope that by following these steps, you can bypass the pitfalls and roadblocks that so often hinder the journey to becoming an informed voter. Whether you’re new to this or just need an update, your involvement matters — and every informed vote strengthens the fabric of our democracy.