Essex Clerk Durkin: 30% Return on VBMs in CD-11 as of 11 a.m.

Clerk provides context on first day of early voting for special congressional election to replace former Rep. Mikie Sherrill

Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:23pm

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Essex County Clerk Chris Durkin reported that 30% of the 30,000 vote-by-mail ballots sent out to voters in the 11th Congressional District have been returned as of 11 a.m. on the first day of early voting. The special general election to replace former Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who left her seat to become New Jersey's governor, is scheduled for April 16th.

Why it matters

This special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District will determine who will represent the district in the U.S. House of Representatives for the remainder of Sherrill's term. The high early voter turnout suggests strong interest from constituents in selecting their next representative.

The details

Portions of three counties - Morris, Essex, and Passaic - make up the 11th Congressional District. Clerk Durkin noted that this is the "busiest election year in the history of Essex County" with the special congressional election, as well as other state and local races on the ballot. He said the 30% return rate on the 30,000 vote-by-mail ballots sent out is expected to increase significantly over the next week leading up to Election Day on February 5th.

  • The special general election for the 11th Congressional District seat is scheduled for April 16, 2026.
  • Early voting began on January 29, 2026, the first day Clerk Durkin provided the 30% return rate on VBM ballots.

The players

Chris Durkin

The Essex County Clerk who provided the update on early voting turnout in the 11th Congressional District special election.

Mikie Sherrill

The former U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District who left her seat to become the Governor of New Jersey.

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What they’re saying

“We're embarking on our busiest election year in the history of Essex County with these special elections along with senate, county executive, and a lot of other important elections.”

— Chris Durkin, Essex County Clerk

“In the Essex portion we have mailed out 30,000 vote-by-mail ballots to voters and we've seen a 30% return rate on those ballots, which will increase exponentially over the next seven days.”

— Chris Durkin, Essex County Clerk

What’s next

The special general election for the 11th Congressional District seat is scheduled for April 16, 2026. The winner of that election will have to run again in the June primary and general election.

The takeaway

The high early voter turnout in the 11th Congressional District special election suggests strong interest from constituents in selecting their next representative in Congress. This election will be an important test of voter engagement in a special election cycle that also includes other key state and local races.