Sources: NJ Political Boss Putting Free And Fair Elections In Peril

New Jersey political boss Brian Stack, described by the New Jersey Globe as a "human turnout machine," is facing allegations of election misconduct. Stack, who serves as both the mayor of Union City and a state senator, has been accused by multiple sources of manipulating election processes in favor of Democrats in Hudson County.

According to reports, Stack's tactics have raised concerns about election integrity, particularly as the state approaches a critical election year. Marco Navarro, a Republican candidate for New Jersey's 37th Legislative District, stated that Stack's influence has created an environment where Democrats operate without accountability. "Union City is the belly of the beast when it comes to this kind of thing," Navarro said, emphasizing the long-standing nature of these issues.

Navarro and others allege that Stack's political machine operates through a system of "pay to play" fundraising and favors, creating a culture of fear among those who might challenge his authority. Investigative reporter Leonard Filipowski, who has covered Stack's political activities, described the atmosphere as abnormal, likening it to scenarios depicted in films. Filipowski has faced intimidation and threats for his reporting, including a recent series of menacing texts.

Filipowski reported that electioneering activities were observed near mobile voting locations in Union City, where political signs for Stack and other Democratic candidates were displayed in violation of New Jersey election laws. The state's Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, has noted that soliciting voters within 100 feet of polling places constitutes a criminal offense. Filipowski confirmed that some signs were removed after his report, but others remained in place.

Stack did not respond to multiple requests for comment from The Federalist. However, local residents have shared their experiences, with one retired public works employee, Jose Guerrido Jr., providing video evidence of campaign signs positioned too close to voting sites. Guerrido expressed frustration over the lack of accountability for alleged election law violations in Union City.

An official from the city clerk's election division stated that there had been no complaints regarding election-related issues, aside from a sample ballot concern. The Hudson County GOP did not provide comments on the allegations. Republican State Committee Executive Director Kate Gibbs indicated that there was nothing further to discuss regarding Union City, while the Republican National Committee confirmed it was monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with election laws.

Guerrido has previously reported election law violations in Union City, claiming that complaints often go unaddressed. He recounted an encounter with Stack in 2017, where the senator appeared to know whether he had voted, raising questions about the transparency of voter information access.

A source familiar with the workings of Stack's political machine alleged that local elections are marred by voter fraud and coercive practices, including campaigning on government property. This source claimed that a government employee involved in election oversight pressured a resident to register to vote in exchange for assistance with a city services bill, further illustrating the intertwining of local governance and electoral manipulation.

As the election approaches, concerns about Stack's influence and the integrity of the electoral process in Union City continue to grow, with calls for accountability and transparency in local politics.