Lakewood Vaad to Issue Endorsements for November 3 Vote
The local organization has announced its preferred candidates for various federal, county, and municipal offices.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in City Hall
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The Lakewood Vaad has released its official endorsements for the November 3 general election, backing a slate of candidates ranging from the U.S. Senate to the local Board of Education. The group also urged residents to cast ballots against an upcoming school board measure.
Why it matters
These endorsements aim to influence voter decisions on key local challenges including transportation, property taxes, and traffic congestion. The organization selected candidates based on their potential to address municipal financial shortfalls and state aid reductions.
The Lakewood Vaad issued endorsements for federal, county, and municipal candidates in an election involving 5 seats on the Township Committee. Voters have until Election Day to finalize their choices for these local and federal positions.
The players
Lakewood Vaad
This is an organization in Lakewood that provides guidance to the local community regarding political candidates and policy matters.
Cory Booker
He is a U.S. Senator representing New Jersey and is seeking re-election in the upcoming general election.
Chris Smith
He is a U.S. Representative who has received the endorsement of the Lakewood Vaad for his house seat.
Ray Coles
He is a current official and candidate for the Lakewood Township Committee who received an organizational endorsement.
The details
The group backed Cory Booker for U.S. Senate, Chris Smith for U.S. House, and Frank Sadeghi for Ocean County commissioner. For local offices, they endorsed Ray Coles and Deborah Fuentes for the Township Committee, alongside three candidates for the Board of Education and two for the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Timeline
October 24 through November 1, 2026: Early voting period at the Lakewood Municipal Building.
November 3, 2026: General Election Day.
Political Context
Opponents of the Lakewood Vaad often argue that the group's endorsement strategy exercises an undue influence over local elections by consolidating a large bloc of voters. Critics frequently cite concerns regarding the transparency of the organization's selection process for candidates.
Residents can cast their ballots during the early voting period starting October 24 at the Lakewood Municipal Building. These endorsements provide a guide for voters navigating the ballot items and candidate choices in the upcoming election cycle.
The takeaway
Voters should review the full list of candidates and ballot questions to make informed decisions before heading to the polls. Engaging with the early voting schedule can help residents avoid potential lines on Election Day.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming local elections, visit the Lakewood City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Matzav.
Live Poll
Do you typically consider community group endorsements when deciding who to vote for in local elections?
