This year, more than ever, your vote matters in New Jersey’s Democratic primary election.

First, there’s the Democratic presidential nominee. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders and their respective proposed delegates to the National Democratic Convention are on the ballot. The direction of the Democratic Party, and perhaps the nation, is at stake.

Congressional candidates appear on the ballots in both the 5th and 11th Congressional Districts.

If you live in Byram, Hopatcong, Ogdensburg, Sparta, or Stanhope, you vote in the 11th Congressional District. Three democrats are seeking the opportunity to challenge Rodney Frelinghuysen in CD11 -- Lee Anne Brogowski, Richard McFarland and Joseph Wenzel. You can learn about them by viewing the introductions they provided during the May 18th SCDC meeting.

The remaining municipalities in Sussex County are part of the 5th Congressional District. Josh Gottheimer is running unopposed in CD5 to take on GOP incumbent Scott Garrett. There’s information about Gottheimer at his web site josh4congress.com/.

Two candidates for Sussex County Freeholder appear on the Democratic primary ballot -- Michele Van Allen and Michael Riley-Mills. Information about Van Allen is available on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/VoteVanAllen.

All registered democrats are authorized to take part in the June 7th Democratic primary election. Moreover, unless you are registered with a different party, you can become a registered Democrat and vote in the Democratic primary, simply by declaring your choice to become a registered Democrat, at your polling place, on June 7th, just before you vote. Basically, as a registered voter, unless you are registered as a Republican, you are entitled to vote in the June 7th Democratic primary election.

Where to vote -- You should have received a sample ballot that lists your polling place. Or, you can find it and other election information on this website.