In a ward election year in Paterson, the vote-by-mail (VBM) submissions so far break down as follows as of Saturday:

1st ward 1,139

2nd ward 3,283

3rd ward 2,142

4th ward 692

5th Ward 692

6th ward 490

The 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th look low, compared to 2016, where the following totals occured, especially the third, which Paterson insiders generally regard as the banner contest this year:

1st: 1,556

3rd: 2,606

4th: 1,730

5th: 1,966

6th: 2,803

The 2nd – 4,006 votes recorded in 2016 – looks similarly – if not more – robust this year, considering voters have until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12th to record their votes.

Will there be a mad rush for the finish line in this unprecedented municipal elections cycle?