By Robert P. Baker
Ida Ochoteco, a resident of Hillsborough, was elected on Wednesday, September 12th, to be one of 14 members of the NJ Electoral College. The 14 members, elected by the New Jersey State Democratic Party, will cast their votes in December for President Obama’s re-election if so determined by the voters of New Jersey in November.
Ms. Ochoteco serves along with her husband, Al Ojeda, as co-chair of the Somerset County Democratic Committee’s Hispanic American Caucus. Nominated by Somerset County Democratic Chair Peg Schaffer, Ms. Ochoteco is also the Secretary of the Hillsborough Democratic Committee.
Michael Goldberg, who is Chair of the Hillsborough Democratic Committee and a member of the NJ State Democratic Committee, also cast his vote for Ms. Ochoteco. “It was thrilling to vote for Ida because she epitomizes the spirit of democracy in action by working hard day in and out to support what she believes to be important to her country, her state, her county and the community she lives in,” said Goldberg.
“I am so honored and proud to be one of the 14 people who have been chosen to be a member of the Electoral College,” said Ms. Ochoteco. “I became a proud citizen of this great country two years ago, so I truly appreciate the electoral process and know that voting is a right and a privilege that should not be taken for granted. I urge all to vote in November.”
Republicans will also elect 14 members of the Electoral College. The number is determined by the total of our 12 Congressional members and our 2 Senators. The outcome of the general election in November determines which candidate receives those Electoral votes, which are officially cast in December at a session in Trenton. A total of 270 Electoral votes are needed to win the Presidential election.
For more information, contact Michael Goldberg at (908) 722-9672 or [email protected].
