BAYONNE -There were probably close to 150 people at a "Get Out The Vote" breakfast Saturday morning at the Chandelier Catering Hall.

But this wasn't a time to chow down and chat.

Mayoral candidate Loyad Booker had a more practical message.

After the crowd of supporters grabbed breakfast sandwiches, Booker told them to vote early and get others to do the same.

He told them to grab some literature and then:

"Get out of here."

This city's municipal election is three days away and there's no time to waste.

Long time Mayor Jimmy Davis is now sheriff of Hudson County and the interim mayor, Robert Kubert, had no interest in running.

So this is an open seat.

The candidates are Booker, Sharon Ashe Nadrowski, who lost to Davis in 2022, and Mary Jane Desmond, the city's business administrator.

About 15 blocks south, an operative at Nadrowski campaign headquarters on Broadway said the candidate was already out on the campaign trail.

He said he was "cautiously optimistic." That's a catch phrase, of course, but it also can be true.

He said the Nadrowski campaign is blending the traditional - mailings, door-to-door canvassing - with the new - social media and robo calls.

Friday was the first day of early voting and about 800 people did so.

Good news?

Yes, for Nadrowski, the source said. He considered that a good turnout and a sign that voters want "change."

Fair point. Voters who want change are usually eager to vote.

But change can be a funny thing.

Booker said this very morning his campaign is the "change" campaign.

As for Desmond, here is part of what a recent social media post said on her behalf:

"Bayonne residents know leadership is not about slogans. It is about experience, stability, and showing up for the community when it matters most.

Mary Jane Desmond has built her reputation through years of public service, community involvement, and commitment to the people of Bayonne. Her campaign is centered on protecting neighborhoods, supporting seniors and families, strengthening public safety, and making sure residents remain the priority as Bayonne continues to grow."

Non-partisan elections - like this one - are often about personalities.

One issue that popped up, however, has been about data centers, which have become quite controversial.

The city council, on which Booker sits, approved a zone change that would allow a data center on New Hook Road. Any actual plan would still need approval by the relevant land use board.

The council has since adopted resolutions opposing data centers, but Nadrowski said at a recent debate that they carry no weight.

There also has been some back and forth about the candidates taking money from developers. Being too cozy with developers is not usually a good thing for local candidates.

But on balance - and by the standards of Hudson County - this campaign seems peaceful.

Booker said today:

"We've been respectful."