Toms River Election Guide 2026: Who's On The Ballot, Where, When To Vote

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Early voting is undeway for the 2026 election, and in Toms River voters will have several choices to make.

There are three seats and seven candidates to represent Toms River on the Toms River Regional Board of Education, but no municipal races this year. Voters also will be choosing the 4th District member of the House of Representatives and a commissioner on the Ocean County Board of Commissioners.

Here is a guide to who's on the ballot and when and where to vote in Toms River.

The Rundown

• Election date: Nov. 3. Polls are open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Check if you are registered to vote.
• Early voting: Runs from Oct. 24 through Nov. 1, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Read more: Early Voting In Ocean County: See Where To Cast Ballots
• Vote by mail: The last day to request a vote-by-mail ballot is 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2. You must request it in person at the Ocean County Clerk's Office, 118 Washington St., Toms River.
• Where can I drop off my ballot? There are 20 secure dropboxes around Ocean County where you can drop off your ballot.
• Track my mail-in ballot.
• Where can I vote in person? You can find your polling place here. Find out by entering your street address and town.
• Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3, and received by the Board of Elections by Nov. 10.

What And Who Are On The Ballot?

• Toms River Regional Board of Education: There are seven candidates seeking three seats on the school board, all representing Toms River. The seats are three-year terms. Incumbents Ashley Lamb and James Capone are seeking re-election, and they are joined by Gerard Nappi in running under the slogan Protect What Matters. Anthony L. Colucci, Laura Picurro, and Elizabeth Huber are running under the slogan Finance, Education and Accountability. Kristen Hanson is running under the slogan Educating Students Responsibly.
• Lamb is the assistant Ocean County clerk and is seeking her third term on the board. Capone is the owner of Capone's Gourmet Pasta and Pizza in downtown Toms River and is seeking her second term. Nappi is the vice president of sales and business development at MicroTech, according to his LinkedIn account.
• Picurro is the director of Human Services for Toms River Township and oversees the Senior Center. Colucci ran as a Democrat for the Ward 1 seat on the Toms River Township Council in 2025 and was defeated by Robert Bianchini. He is the president of the Ortley Beach Voters and Taxpayers Association. Huber is a newcomer who has not run for election to any position.
• Hanson was the director of special services for the Brick Township Schools and then the assistant superintendent in the Ocean Township Schools before retiring two years ago. She had also been interim director of special services supporting Rahway Public Schools in a part-time capacity.
• NJ 4th District Congressional Race: Republican Chris Smith is seeking his 24th term in the House of Representatives. Democrat Rachel Peace is seeking to unseat him. Read more: NJ's 4th District Congressional Race: Smith Vs. Peace
• Ocean County Board of Commissioners: Republican Frank Sadeghi is seeking his second three-year term on the board. He is being challenged by Democrat Kia Phua.