NJ Judge Denies Restraints Against Ocean County's Bay Head Voter-Residency Review; Staff Report Five Cases Unresolved

A Superior Court judge on Tuesday refused to stop the Ocean County Board of Elections from investigating voters’ residency in Bay Head, rejecting an emergency request by advocates who allege Democrats and unaffiliated voters were selectively targeted for challenges, New Jersey Globe reported. Star News Group quotes Judge Lougy’s order: “Plaintiffs do not establish irreparable harm by clear and convincing evidence” and “Plaintiffs do not establish a reasonable probability of success on the merits of their claims.” Per Jersey Shore Online, the judge wrote that the board had a duty to investigate allegations “however spurious or partisan,” and the board cannot determine eligibility or remove voters unless they request it.

Board staff reported 15 questionnaires returned without raising concerns. Four voters requested removal because they now live out of state, and five cases remained unresolved out of 37. The order itself has not been read here; this rests on local press. The voters are not named.