Statement from Merchantville Democratic Committee
July 23, 2026

Camden County Democratic Committee Chairman Jim Beach recently sent an email publicly criticizing nearly 300 party members for not voting in the June 2026 Democratic primary election. In the message, he identified a six-page list of individuals the Camden County Democratic Committee considers loyal party members and warned that they could lose the party's support because they did not vote. The list of transgressors included not just the party loyalists who failed to vote but also family members of those electeds and loyalists.

As elected members of the Camden County Democratic Committee representing the Borough of Merchantville, we strongly disagree with Mr. Beach's decision to shame and threaten members of his own party. We cannot condone bullying behavior within our party, and unfortunately we have seen such behavior too often from Senator Beach and the Camden County Democrats. For decades, the Camden County Democrats have stifled opposition from party members with unfair ballots and attacks on anyone who dared to challenge them in a primary. This must stop. Such behavior is bad for our Democratic Party and an affront to democracy in general.

We agree that voting is a fundamental right and that participating in elections is vitally important. At the same time, though, voting remains an individual choice, and we deserve a party that treats its members and constituents with kindness and respect. Publicly chastising party members is not an effective way to strengthen a democratic organization or encourage greater participation in elections.

Lasting increases in voter participation come from a party that demonstrates—not only through its words but through its actions—that it is genuinely committed to serving and standing with the people. We note that in this year’s Camden County Democratic primaries, voter turnout was much higher in towns where there were competitive races for local Council positions, compared to very low turnout where municipal candidates had no opposition. This should not surprise anyone. Voter turnout is best increased through consistent civic engagement, open and respectful debate, and competitive, fair elections that give voters meaningful choices.

E-mail contact: merchantvilledems@yahoo.com