Mayor’s Column

” …Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Abraham Lincoln
In order for government to be “by the people,” we must exercise our right to vote. It is not only an important individual liberty; it is the foundation of free government.
The right to vote was initially established in 1789.  In 1870, the 15th Amendment guaranteed the right to vote to all men who were 21 or older regardless of race or ethnic background. In 1920, the 19th Amendment gave women age 21 or older the right to vote. Finally, in 1971, the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age across the nation to 18.
In recent years, casting your ballot has been made even easier through the Vote by Mail Program. If you wish to take advantage of this program, applications can be obtained by visiting the County Store at the Voorhees Town Center or online at www.camdencounty.com/vbm. Applications for vote by mail ballots for the primary election must be received by the Camden County Clerk no later than May 29. Completed ballots must be received by the Board of Elections before the close of the polls on Primary Election Day.
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 5.  Voters will be casting ballots to elect a United States Senator, a United States Congressional Member, three Freeholder seats, the County Sheriff, two Township Committee seats, two Eastern Regional Board of Education seats and three Voorhees Township Board of Education seats.  Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Voorhees Township.
The Camden County Board of Elections has made several changes in polling locations. District 9, which includes Alluvium, Alluvium Lakes, Elm Tree, Lake Villa and several developments along Route 561, will no longer vote at the Muslim Mosque but will now be voting at the Kresson Fire Hall. District 14, which includes parts of Partridge Run, previously voted at Brookdale/Brendenwood but now will be voting at the Voorhees School Administration Building on Route 73. Finally, District 18, which includes the Village Apartments area, the Vista Apartments and portions of Victoriana, had been voting at the Vista Apartments but will now vote at the Kirkwood Fire House.
Following is a list of all the voting locations in town. If you wish to vote in person, ballots can be cast at the following locations:

Residents of District 1 (Greenridge and Ashland areas) Vote at Ashland Presbyterian Church
Residents of District   2 (Kirkwood and Carriagebrooke Farm areas) Vote at the Kirkwood Fire Hall
Residents of District  3 (Alluvium Woods area) Vote at Kresson Fire Hall
Residents of District 4 (Echelon Towers and La Bonne Vie areas) Vote at Yardley Commons
Residents of District 5 (Three Pond and Franklin Square areas) Vote at Town Hall
Residents of District 6 (Portion of Sturbridge Lakes and Woodbrook areas) Vote at the
Voorhees School Administration Building at 329 Route 73
Residents of District  7 (Lost Tree and Holly Oak areas) Vote at the Barry Brown Health Education Center
Residents of District  8 (Main Street Estates area) Vote at the Meeting Place at Hope Church
Residents of District    9 (Devonshire, Lake Villa, Elm Tree and Alluvium Lakes areas) Vote at the Kresson Fire Hall
Residents of District  10 (Alluvium area) Vote at Lions Lake Community Center
Residents of District 11 (Portion of Sturbridge Lakes) Vote at the Hampton Inn Route 73
Residents of District  12 (Ashland Terrace, Woodcrest, Staffordshire Estates areas) Vote at
Town Hall
Residents of District  13 (Avian area) Vote at the Brookdale/Brendenwood Senior Center
Residents of District  14 (Rainwood area) Voorhees School Administration Building at 329 Route 73
Residents of District  15 (Beagle Club, Wood Glen, Laurie Drive areas) Vote at Lions Lake Community Center
Residents of District  16 (Sturbridge Estates and Sturbridge Woods areas) Vote at the Hampton Inn Route 73
Residents of District  17 (Centennial Mill area) Vote at Centennial Mill Clubhouse
Residents of District  18 (Village Apartments, The Vista and portions of Victoriana areas) Vote at the Kirkwood Fire Hall
Residents of District  19 (Staffordshire and Traditions areas) Vote at Lions Gate

Any voter who is not listed on the voting rolls or is denied the right to vote, and who believes he or she is properly registered, can vote by way of a provisional ballot which will be reviewed by the Board of Elections to determine voter eligibility.

Each voter will receive a sample ballot in the mail prior to the election which will identify that voter’s district.

If you have any questions about casting your vote, call the Voorhees Municipal Clerk at 856-429-7757 or email her at clerk@voorheesnj.com.

Your vote counts.

** The Annual Animal Welfare Association Paws & Feet 5K Race & Doggie Fun Day is May 19 from 9am to noon at the Cooper River Park, Pennsauken. This 3-mile run/walk and one-mile walk is a great way for animal lovers to support AWA’s mission of helping pets and people. The day is full of great activities, including pet contests, an agility course, pet demonstrations and entertainment. All money raised goes toward the adoption center and the care of homeless animals. For more information, call 856-424-2288 extension113 or visit www.events@awanj.org.

**The Voorhees Schools Color Fun Run will be held on Fri., May 20, at Connolly Park. Registration begins at 6 p.m. and the run begins at 6:30 p.m. Money raised from the event will help support technology and enhancements at VMS, ET Hamilton, Osage, Kresson and Signal Hill Schools. There will be music by Just Call Dawn DJ and other post run fun! For more information, visit www.voorheesk12.nj.us.

**The 10th Annual Alicia Rose Victorious 5k Run/Walk will be held on Sun., May 20. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. and the one mile walk/kids run will start at 9 a.m. The 5K run/walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. at Virtua Hospital, 200 Bowman Dr. in Voorhees.  Cost is $30 for participants 19 and older and $15 for ages 5 to 18.  The ARVF installs Teen Lounges in hospitals throughout the world. For more information, visit www.victoriousfoundation.org.