Monmouth County Freeholders Primary: Who's Running, How To Vote

Tuesday's Primary Election in Monmouth County includes voting for the Monmouth County Government Board of Chosen Freeholders, which will see six candidates pursuing two open seats.

Republican Ross Licitra and incumbent Lillian Burry are running with the support of the Monmouth County Republican Organization. Burry has served as Freeholder since 2006. Prior to her current position, the Colts Neck resident was Councilwoman of Matawan and Committeewoman, Deputy Mayor and Mayor of Colts Neck.

Licitra is a longtime Morganville resident and executive director of the Monmouth County SPCA. Licitra began his law enforcement career as a municipal police officer, later serving as a detective at the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office for 25 years. Read more: Election Profile: Lillian G. Burry For Freeholder and Election Profile: Ross Licitra For Monmouth County Freeholder.

Democrats Michael Penna and Moira Nelson are running with the backing of the Monmouth County Democratic Party. Penna is a drama and English educator teaching at-risk and special needs children at Collier High School. Nelson is a Monmouth County native, former small business owner and longtime fashion industry executive.

Angelica “Angie” Ashford and Lucille Benfanti are running on the Bernie Sanders 'Not Me. Us.' national platform. Ashford is a Manalapan resident and founder of The A* Foundation, a nonprofit which aids victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the primary election is being conducted through vote-by-mail balloting. The polls are open until 8 p.m. Tuesday, which is also the deadline for submitting your vote-by-mail ballot if you have not yet turned it in.

Vote-by-mail ballots were mailed to voters who are registered Republicans or registered Democrats. If you have not turned in your ballot, here's how you can still submit your vote:

• Mail your ballot. It must be postmarked no later than 8 p.m. on July 7 to be counted in the election.
• Deliver completed ballots in-person to the Board of Elections by 8 p.m.
• County Election Offices will be open for walk-in services and hand deliveries at 300 Halls Mill Road in Freehold
• Drop your completed ballot off in a secure ballot drop box. A list of drop boxes available throughout Monmouth County can be found here.

• In-person voting will be limited. A full list of Monmouth County polling sites for the primary can be found here.

Any questions can be directed to the Monmouth County Board of Elections at (732) 431-7802.