>> Major funding for NJ Spotlight News is brought to you in part by NJM Insurance Group and by the PSEG Foundation.

Briana: Tonight, it is election night and one of historic proportions.

A presidential first of either candidate wins.

And New Jersey on the verge of sending more women to Congress than ever before.

>> Four women if Altman pulls off the upset, we would be up to five women.

Briana: Plus, protecting your vote.

After the January 6 insurrection, election security is top of mind for the record-breaking millions heading to the polls.

>> We don't want people to ever be disenfranchised.

Briana: Democrat Sue Altman making her final push to try to unseat Tom Kean, Jr. >> We are, as far as I know, tied.

Briana: New Jersey sending the nation's first Korean American potentially.

NJ Spotlight News begins right now.

♪ >> From NJ EBS Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi.

Briana: Thank you for joining us this Tuesday night.

We begin with our top headlines.

First, it is election day in America.

Millions of voters headed to the polls today and throughout this evening, casting a ballot for the nation's 47th president.

Either winner, Vice President Harris or Former President Trump, will make history.

Marking either the first woman elected or the second president ever to win nonconsecutive terms.

The balance of power in Congress is also on the ballot.

All 12 of New Jersey's seats are up for grabs and so was one U.S. Senate seat.

This year spending to elect a president and members of Congress will hit nearly $16 billion, putting 2024 on track to be the nation's most expensive federal election, according to new analysis from the nonpartisan group Open Secrets.

In New Jersey, just shy of 2 million voters cast a ballot early.

1.7 million used the early in person option.

More Democrats took advantage of early voting compared to 29% of Republicans and 26% of unaffiliated voters.

Polls are open today until 8:00 p.m. Also tonight, Atlantic City Mayor Marty small is facing new criminal charges, this time for alleged witness tampering in his ongoing child abuse scandal.

According to court documents, he's accused of telling his teenage daughter to do him a favor and twist up her story.

The Child told law enforcement her parents physically and mentally abused her.

Small and his wife were indicted in September on abuse allegations and plead not guilty.

Atlantic City high school principal Chapman and Secretary Young, identified as a cousin of the daughter, also face official misconduct charges for allegedly failing to notify law enforcement of possible abuse.

Small is also being indicted on charges of terroristic threats and aggravated assault.

He's refused to step down despite growing calls for his resignation.

He is due in court on December 3.

New Jersey's interim U.S.

Senator George Helmy is racking up the flyer miles.

He is fresh off a trip to the Middle East where he spent three days in Jordan meeting with regional leaders about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon.

He raised concern about Israel's move to ban the humanitarian arm of the United Nations, UNRWA.

It's responsible for coordinating aid into Gaza and the West Bank.

He met with the Deputy Commissioner of UNRWA along with U.S.

Ambassador and other charity organizations.

Helmy called it one of the most eye-opening experiences of his lifetime, reaffirming Israel's right to defend itself, but said it has the legal responsibility to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the war with Hamas.

Helmy then flew to Michigan yesterday to stump for Vice President Harris.

The Battleground State is home to a large population of Arab Americans whose vote could be pivotal.

Across the country and in New Jersey, election officials are reporting record turnout and that means there may be delays in tallying the outcomes.

Election day is not necessarily result day anymore.

A situation that further fuels unsupported claims and conspiracy theories sowing doubt over the legitimacy of the election process.

County Clerks have been preparing for potential pickups and misinformation that may come with it as we enter the home stretch of this election cycle.

Raven Santana checked in to see how they are keeping your vote secure.

>> Union County Clerk Joanne's phone has not stopped ringing with just hours before polls close.

She says the most popular calls are from parents.

>> Whose children who may not receive the vote by mail ballot.

Raven: She is just one of 21 County clerks in the Garden State who have been working around the clock to prepare for what she says is a historic turnout.

The early voting period brought in nearly 1.2 million people who voted in person.

That does not include vote by mail ballots.

She says that early momentum carried over into election day.

>> Usually the peak for in person voting happens at dinnertime and after dinner, but today, there was a big increase.

We saw people standing in line at 5:30 a.m.

So, people are very anxious to vote.

Raven: While the biggest decision for most voters this election will be deciding who will become the next president, the biggest question throughout the campaign cycle for some has been election security, which is why Rajoppi says having a federal monitor present was important.

>> We don't want people to feel disenfranchised, so we have judges on call all day today, beginning from this morning to 8:00 tonight, that will hear petitions from people who perhaps have been turned away.

Raven: After 2020 and the events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, protecting voters at the polls and certifying election results are top of mind for many in New Jersey and beyond.

Which is why the lieutenant governor and Secretary Of State says while transparency is key, so his patience.

>> Early voting records have definitely been shattered.

The good thing about New Jersey is they now, the counties on their websites will also share details about the number of voting machines and equipment deployed across every early voting and election day polling site.

They will also share the number of mail-in ballots issued and received into our statewide voter registration system.

Raven: Jersey is proving to stay on top of all that actors after two women in Middlesex County were charged with voter fraud.

A 58-year-old and a 57-year-old have been charged with attempting to vote on behalf of a deceased family member.

Both face third-degree charges.

>> As of today, over 40% of our voters have already cast a ballot.

Raven: Mary says election security has been critical, especially when it comes to noncitizens.

She says she pushed for stronger safeguards placed specifically at the DMV.

>> The noncitizens registering to vote, I am aware that is happening through the division of motor vehicles.

I don't think it is happening nefarious late.

I think it is happening as an accident.

And that type of the situation can challenge their right to vote for citizenship.

Raven: In person voting remains the biggest challenge as long lines are expected in Monmouth County.

That is what the County Clerk says the county made sure to push early voting on multiple platforms to eliminate long lines on election day.

>> Because we wanted people to vote by mail in advance, go to the polls in advance, so that on election day, we wouldn't have 400,000 people coming out.

Raven: While Rajoppi says she can see unofficial results come in sometime around 11:00 p.m., election officials ask for your patience because it could take days before we know the results for the presidential election.

Briana: New Jersey's most contentious house race is in district seven which spans from the Delaware River in Warren County to the urban suburbs.

The race between GOP incumbent Tom Kean, Jr. and Democratic challenger Sue Altman his neck and neck, with national implications helping to decide the balance of power in Congress.

Early voting numbers for the district show more Democrats voted early that Republicans like about 4600, but that does not indicate who will turn up at the polls today.

Democrats are not taking any chances, deploying Governor Murphy and the state Democratic chair to get out the vote in areas of union County where they are hopeful to pick up votes.

Our Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan has the latest.

>> We are, as far as I know, tied which is incredible.

The last pole we saw -- I know.

Brenda: Canvassers applauded as Sue Altman cited the latest Monmouth University poll showing her in a statistical tie with Tom Kean, Jr. On election day, the hottest New Jersey congressional race is a jump ball.

>> We know Democrats have turned out more voters, early voting and vote by mail in the seventh district.

We are in the fourth quarter which is so exciting.

As a former basketball player, I know when you go into the fourth quarter and you are tied, you know it will be a dogfight.

Brenda: Now, it is all about getting out the vote and Altman led the way.

These volunteers knocking on doors drove here from southerly Democratic congressional districts in New Jersey, as part of a formidably organized round game that has been electrified by the perceived threat of abortion health care opposed by a Trump presidency.

Altman gave the closing peptalk.

>> Republicans have nothing like this.

Their field operation is paid by Elon Musk.

That tells you everything you need to know.

We are one of the top places he is spending in the country, they are nervousso -- so they are nervous.

>> The Republican Super PACs have outspent the Democratic Super PACs pretty heavily.

At the end of the day, Kean is probably still favored.

Brenda: The contest is rated as liens Republican and says Kean still gets mileage out of Kean, Sr.'s mileage as former governor.

He generally avoid speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, including NJ Spotlight News' Ben Hulack last month.

>>>> Do you are right endorsing Donald Trump?

Brenda: He claims he is not antiabortion but he does endorse Trump.

He polls better than Altman in the economy and immigration.

>> My opponent since 2019 has been a paid political activist who supports progressive causes and will never stand up to the far left wing of her own party.

Brenda: The GOP Super PACs supporting Kean have attacked Altman as an extreme progressive.

>> She's a radical liberal activist who threatens your future.

Brenda: The district does tilt more conservative after being redrawn to include 19,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats.

>> The country is going in a bad direction, so we will see what happens now.

>> The economy.

Think it is on everybody's mind.

They are trying to figure out who is to help the middle class.

Brenda: The red shift ultimately ended Democrats Tom Malinowski's reelection bid two years ago, but the former Congressman thinks Altman has gained significant momentum.

>> I think her views are much more aligned, particulate on issues like abortion with most of the voters in the district.

>> We are talking about this race and this district significantly because Donald Trump is at the top of the ticket for the Republican Party.

Brenda: For Ben Dworkin, Trump remains the elephant in the room.

The district may trend MAGA red, but he suspects women can get caught up in the movement that has motivated many, including Republicans to cast ballots for Kamala Harris in early voting.

>> There's the potential in this district for significant crossover.

But, the question is really not just whether there will be crossover of Republicans who might vote for Harris because they are uncomfortable with Trump.

Brenda: He says the larger question is if folks do vote for Harris, will they keep on voting for Democrats all the way down that ballot?

I'm Brenda Flanagan.

Briana: It is the final push to get U.S. votes between Andy Kim and Republican businessman Curtis bash all.

After what started as a contentious primary with a crowded field and battles over the party line, the latest polls show it is Kim's to lose.

He's up about 18 points.

But there's always room for an upset and it would be the first time New Jersey sends a new U.S. senator to Washington in a decade.

Ted Goldberg has the latest from that race.

Ted: Andy Kim worked hard for his "I voted" sticker.

He waited for two hours to pull the lever here in Moorestown.

>> I am so excited to see so many people showing up to vote.

Ted: Even the early birds had to wait on historically long lines.

>> We got here at about 7:00 and it took about one hour and a half for us.

>> I set a timer.

>> She did.

We were happy to take our part in history.

It is very important.

>> Typically, if we come up that late morning, we are in and out very quick.

Today, it was two hours and five minutes.

>> It was a little quicker last time I voted but I got up at 5:00 a.m. >> I voted at this polling station for so many years.

I have never seen a line out the door.

I never had to wait more than five seconds.

Ted: Kim is running on his record as a three term representative here, hoping to replace longtime senator Bob Menendez who resigned after he was found guilty of corruption charges.

>> I hope we can represent a new era of politics coming in.

One that can restore trust and faith.

I am very humbled to be here and hopeful for America today.

I want my country to be able to deliver for my two little boys.

We will not be able to get that done if we continue to have this level of distrust.

That was exactly why I stepped up.

I did not plan to run for Senate.

This was not something I had in the cards but I felt it was important to give the people of New Jersey a choice.

Ted: His opponent, Curtis Bashall agrees with his thoughts.

>> I am feeling so energized.

Ted: Bashaw is a moderate Republican and has touted his business credentials as a reason voters should send him to the Senate.

>> I'm a businessman, he's a career politician.

I have signed the front side of a paycheck for 35 years, creating 1000 jobs.

Ted: He has to paint Kim as too liberal from New Jersey.

>> My opponent is on the wrong side of the economy.

He wants to tax and spend.

He is soften the border.

Ted: Bashaw won the primary against the Trump-endorsed candidate but now trails Kim by 18 points in the latest poll.

Micah says more people know about Kim than Bashaw, a huge deal in a state that has not elected a Republican to the Senate since 1972.

>> The guy who cleaned up after January 6, expressed concern for Bashaw when he passed out at the debate.

He's reform New Jersey politics forever.

He has this really strong personality he is developing for himself that Curtis will not be able to overcome.

>> We've driven about 82,000 miles since January 15 in that car over there.

We've been to 21 counties, hundreds of municipalities.

We've gotten to know the backwaters.

Ted: The voters in those places say they don't mind the extended wait times to participate in democracy.

>> I think it is important to take the time not just for the big election, but for all the local selections.

>> We are fortunate to be able to have this process in our country.

And if the line was 10 hours long, I would have waited.

>> If you care, you have to vote, and I care.

>> I am willing to do that.

It is a beautiful day.

Even if it was snowing, I would still wait.

You just have to vote.

Ted: Andy Kim could be the nation's first Korean American senator, while Curtis Bashaw could be New Jersey's first openly gay senator.

History will be made whoever wins.

I'm Ted Goldberg.

Briana: From President Biden dropping out to multiple assassination attempt on Former President Trump, and Senator Menendez's gold bars, it has been a frenetic and memorable campaign season.

With a number of races to watch and outcomes that could bring big changes do New Jersey.

For more on what we are watching, I am joined by Colleen O'Dea and David Cruz.

Colleen, David, we have a long night ahead of us.

Colleen, you have been keeping a knot on the early voting numbers, on turnout.

What do we know so far about who has showed up at the polls.

Colleen: So far, if you are looking at turnout compared to the registration, about 30% of people voted early.

Up to 1.9 6 million which includes all of those early in person votes, as well as all the mail-in ballots that were received as of yesterday.

There are still thousands and thousands of mail-in ballots out there.

Not sure if they will be returned, some people are not voting.

It is about 42% of the people who voted in 2020, which is a pretty good measure of turnout just because there are people on the voter rolls who may not vote anymore.

Briana: Not to mention, 2020 had unprecedented turnout because people were also voting by mail.

David, we talked about the U.S. Senate race and C.D.

7.

What also you looking for tonight?

David: Not to put too fine a point on it, I am looking to see how we are going to get through this.

You look at the national level and you wonder, man, are we going to be able to pull this off?

And then, I think we are going to be able to do it.

But, the state, as far as that goes, those two elections you mentioned are going to be the kickoff now for what happens here in New Jersey as far as the governor's race goes.

I'm going to be watching that because you are going to see candidates now after this election declare themselves very soon to make that a really stuffed list of candidates for that.

So, you will see the machinations begin, assuming that at the top of this ticket, that that contest ends up reaffirming democracy as opposed to showing the beginning of the end of it.

Briana: That is interesting you bring up the governor's race.

Colleen, we expect Democratic Congress members, after they likely win their reelection, will toss there have been the ring for the gubernatorial race.

We've already had a significant amount of turnover this year just with the deaths of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Congressman Donald Payne.

What is the makeup of the delegation going to look like now, notwithstanding potentially another member who may or may not leave if they get elected to the governor's office?

Colleen: If everyone wins who we are expecting to win, the delegation is certainly going to look more diverse, look more like New Jersey than it's ever had in the past.

It was just a decade ago that we had only four members who were either black or Hispanic.

And we had no women in 2014 before Bonnie Watson Coleman won.

There had been women before them, but not at that point.

Now, we're looking at probably half the delegation and four women if Sue Altman pulls off an upset, we would be up to five women.

The delegation is certainly going to look more like New Jersey.

Now, two of those folks as you mentioned will probably run for governor.

What that does -- if they don't win, they can keep their seat.

If they do, they will get out.

There is likely to be some turnover next year.

Briana: Issues like abortion have played big on the national level with the presidential election.

Was that used as much in New Jersey races?

I am picking about C.D.

7 specifically, but were any of those issues a macro of what's been playing out here?

David: I was surprised this morning to learn that 10 states are holding referenda on some sort of abortion restriction.

I thought that was a lot.

I think that played in small parts here.

Obviously, the Altman-Kean race, that played a lot.

All the Democrats accused the Republican opponents of wanting to end abortion and supporting a national abortion ban.

But, I think, like a lot of these things, all this stuff is local.

Some parts of the state, the economy probably rates higher as an issue and those pocketbook issues dominated over social issues.

The Republican strategy in all these things is to fight on those issues that are not pocketbook issues, but are the more controversial and more divisive issues, cultural issues.

I think you see that reflected in New Jersey as well.

Briana: Colleen and David, see you in the studio in just a bit.

Thanks.

That will do it for us tonight, but before we go, make sure you keep it right here for NJ Deci des 2024 election night coverage.

We are live starting at 8:00 p.m. tonight with all the results.

Reporters all across the state at a campaign headquarters and in studio political analysis.

That is tonight on NJ PBS, and streaming on our YouTube channel, and our website.

I'm Briana Vannozzi.

For the entire team, thanks for being with us.

We will see you back here for election night coverage.

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