Friday Deadline for Fire Election Mail-in Ballots

The day of the fire district elections, when residents will vote on commissioners' terms and the fire budget, is Feb. 18. But there are a couple deadlines leading up to the election.

Friday, Feb. 10 is the last day for mail-in ballots. The ballots themselves are available at the county clerk's office, and also must be turned in there, too.

The last day for new voters to register to vote in the fire election is Thursday, Feb. 16.

The election itself is Saturday, Feb. 18, and polls are open 2 to 9 p.m.

In the , a large number of the ballots were cast by absentee voters — those who mailed in or handed in their ballot to the county clerk's office. Last year, for example, 354 absentee votes were cast among the 704 total votes for three candidates in District One.

Toms River has two fire districts. District One is comprised of the areas served by Toms River Fire Co. No. 1 and No. 2, East Dover, and Ocean Beach. District Two is comprised of areas served by Silverton and Pleasant Plains.

Each district's voters have a ballot for the election of fire commissioners, as well as budget questions.

District One residents will vote on a $7.3 million budget, with $4.774 million to be raised through taxes.

District Two residents will vote on a $3.127 million budget, with $2.891 million to be raised through taxes.

The is located at 118 Washington St, Toms River, 08753, phone number 732-929-2153.