AbseconNot a ballot

Voter guide · Nov 3, 2026

Absecon City Council Election 2026

2 of 7 council seats are on the ballot, with 4 candidates running. Updated Oct 20, 2026. Every claim links to its source. How we check

See who is on your ballot
Nov 3Election Day

How to vote · 11 days left

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Early in-person voting begins (Oct 24): the election office's notice

These links go to official state and county election sites. Hours and rules differ by state; your election office has the final word.

The candidates

Listed alphabetically by last name. Every position links to its source.

Ward 1 voters choose one of two candidates for one Ward 1 seat, and Ward 2 voters choose one of two for one Ward 2 seat; the mayor is not on this ballot.

Early in-person voting begins · Oct 24

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Also on your Nov 3 ballot

We research city races only. For these races, go to the state's official guide or a nonpartisan one.

Official voter lookupState voter guideVote411 (League of Women Voters)

Districts come from 2020 Census blocks and the district maps for this election. Your address decides your districts.

Already on the council, not on the ballot

Whoever you elect will govern alongside these members.

What the next council decides

01Budget and property taxes4 sourced facts

Where it standsThe 2026 budget presentation estimated the municipal tax rate rising from 1.169 to 1.259, about $155.15 a year more on the average home.

What's on the tableThe next council will adopt the 2027 municipal budget and set the municipal tax rate.

02Homelessness and motel stays3 sourced facts

Where it standsAbsecon adopted an ordinance limiting motel occupancy to 14 consecutive days within a 30-day period.

What's on the tableThe next council will decide whether to keep or change the motel-stay rules and how the city responds to homelessness.

  • Violations of the motel-stay ordinance can bring a minimum fine of $750. WFPG · Sep 23, 2025
  • Some hotel and motel owners believe the legislation is overly strict and will harm their businesses. WFPG · Sep 23, 2025
  • In summer 2025 the city launched the Mayoral Homeless Task Force, bringing together residents, the police department and the governing body. City of Absecon
03Shore Road flooding3 sourced facts

Where it standsAbsecon and Atlantic County planned a shared 2026 project to raise Shore Road and reduce flooding.

What's on the tableThe next council will oversee the city's part of flood and road projects and choose future capital projects.

  • The Shore Road project will raise the roadway to reduce flooding during storms and high tides. City of Absecon
  • The city announced a shared 2026 project with Atlantic County for Shore Road Flood Mitigation Roadway Improvements. City of Absecon
  • Since 2023, the city has secured over $4 million in outside or grant funding for capital projects. City of Absecon
04Traffic safety2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe city has converted several intersections to all-way stops to improve visibility and safety.

What's on the tableThe next council will decide on further traffic-safety changes such as stop signs and crosswalks.

  • New all-way stops include Bayview Drive and Hobart Avenue, Coolidge Avenue and Oakhurst Avenue, and New York Avenue and Fifteenth Street. City of Absecon · Nov 20, 2025
  • The city planned raised crosswalks to slow traffic and a flashing crosswalk sign on New Jersey Avenue at Highland Boulevard. City of Absecon
05Business growth2 sourced facts

Where it standsThe 2026 budget plan lists bringing new businesses to Absecon among its goals for 2026 and beyond.

What's on the tableThe next council will decide how the city attracts and supports businesses.

  • The budget presentation lists working to bring new businesses to Absecon and supporting the growth of existing businesses. City of Absecon · May 21, 2026
  • The city repaved Calderon Avenue, Michigan Avenue and Veteran's Way, which provide access to new businesses investing in Absecon. City of Absecon
1 note on these statements

Alex Clark and Christine Parker, both Republicans, are seeking re-election; Maria E. Prete and Gloria Seel are the Democratic candidates. New Jersey Globe · Jul 14, 2026

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    Seat the councilSeat the Council →Pick a winner for each open seat and see where the resulting council stands on each issue.

    Key dates

    The seat math

    6 stay (not up this year): Richard DeRose, Linda Evans, Nicholas L. LaRotonda, Stephen S. Light, Tommy Marrone, Mike Sykes2 on this ballot

    7 council seats plus a mayor who doesn't vote on council items. The council decides by a 4-vote majority.

    • The council has seven members: three each represent Ward 1 and Ward 2 on staggered three-year terms, and one at-large member serves a four-year term. City of Absecon
    • The mayor is elected at-large to a four-year term and votes only to break a tie among the governing body. City of Absecon
    • The mayor can veto ordinances, subject to a two-thirds override by the council. City of Absecon
    • The council elects one of its members as president to chair council meetings. City of Absecon
    • Republicans hold a 7-0 majority on the council; Democrats controlled it as recently as 2022. New Jersey Globe · Jul 14, 2026

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