Judge Blocks Waterfront Voting Sites in LD-33 Democratic Primary—Critics Point to Brian Stack’s Political Influence

May 20, 2025

In a decision that is drawing sharp criticism from across Hudson County, Superior Court Assignment Judge David Katz has denied a request from Democratic Assembly candidates Tony Hector and Frank Alonso to add polling locations along the River Road waterfront for the upcoming June primary election in Legislative District 33. The ruling, critics argue, effectively silences thousands of voters in a growing and diverse section of the district—and raises serious concerns about political interference and voter suppression.

The lawsuit, filed by Hector and Alonso on May 8, sought to compel the Hudson County Board of Elections to establish one early voting site and three election-day polling sites to serve the densely populated waterfront neighborhoods of Union City, Weehawken, and West New York. These areas have experienced explosive growth in recent years, with high-rise developments and a surge in new residents. Despite this, waterfront communities have been left without accessible polling places—forcing voters to travel significantly farther than others in the district to cast their ballots.

Judge Katz refused the request, citing statutory deadlines and arguing that the court could not force the Board to take “discretionary” action. He also expressed concern that adding polling locations at this stage could cause “confusion” as ballots have already been printed and vote-by-mail has begun.

But the real confusion, say critics, is why this decision was allowed to stand—especially when the political ramifications are so clear.

“This is not just about missed deadlines,” said Hector after the ruling. “This is about selective disenfranchisement. Voters along the waterfront are being denied the same access to the ballot as the rest of the district, and the political establishment is complicit in keeping it that way.”

Alonso was even more blunt: “This is institutional voter suppression. Period. And it’s being done to protect one man’s grip on Hudson County politics.”

That man is State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who is not only the most powerful political figure in the district but also the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee—an influential position that oversees judicial appointments and holds sway in matters involving election law and enforcement. Many suspect Stack’s far-reaching influence played a quiet, but decisive role in shutting down the effort to expand voting access in a part of the district that’s beginning to turn against him and his hand-picked political allies.

Stack, long known for consolidating power in Union City and beyond, has a deep interest in controlling the outcome of the Democratic primary. With his loyalists running for Assembly and key county offices—including the sheriff position—allowing waterfront voters easier access to the polls could jeopardize his entire political slate.

“This is classic machine politics,” said one former Hudson County official who asked not to be named. “Stack controls the levers of power—mayor, senator, judiciary chair, and now he wants to control the voter map too.”

Notably, other parts of the 33rd Legislative District enjoy conveniently placed polling sites, while the booming waterfront corridor continues to be ignored. The message is clear: if you don’t live in Stack’s political stronghold, you don’t get the same rights.

Despite the setback, Hector and Alonso say they will continue their campaign to give waterfront residents—and all of LD-33—a voice. “This is bigger than one election,” said Hector. “This is about restoring fairness and democracy in Hudson County.”

They also vowed to appeal to the public directly, urging voters to reject machine politics and stand up against voter suppression.

As the June primary nears, the question remains: will the residents of the waterfront be heard—or will the entrenched powers continue to rig the system in their favor?