Sandy aftermath: Back to school, gas rationing and an election

State education officials say students will be returning to classes Monday in many New Jersey schools that were shuttered by the superstorm.

But in the areas of the state that were hardest hit by the storm, school officials will likely wait until this afternoon or early evening to make their decision.

Many districts were closed all week because of the storm, which knocked out power and damaged buildings. Most have already decided to hold classes next Thursday and Friday, days previously reserved for theNew Jersey Education Association’s annual conference, which has been canceled because of the storm.

Districts that missed fewer days have more options for making up days, including shortening spring break.

 

Vote by email

New Jersey will allow residents displaced by the superstorm to vote by email or fax.

Officials announced Saturday that registered voters can vote electronically.

A resident must submit a mail-in ballot application by fax or email to the local county clerk.

When the request is received, a ballot will be emailed or faxed back. Ballots must be returned no later than 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Ballot applications can be downloaded on the state’s website.

 

Power outages

Roughly 1.1 million homes and businesses inNew Jersey remain without electricity in the wake of Sandy.

Utility crews have restored power to more than 1.5 million customers since the storm hit.

The power companies are providing town-by-town estimates for when power will be restored.

PSEG

JCP&L

ACE

 

Gas rationing

A gas rationing system ordered by Gov. Chris Christie has taken effect in New Jersey. Under the rationing system that took effect at noon Saturday, drivers with license plates ending in an even number can buy gas on even-numbered days, and those with plates ending in an odd number or vanity plates can make gas purchases on odd-numbered days.

The order affects only Northern New Jersey counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Morris, Monmouth, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren counties.

 

Rail Service:

Northeast Corridor: Remains in service between Trenton and New York Penn Station, with the exception of service to Jersey Avenue.  Service continues to operate on a special schedule.

The River Line between Camden and Trenton has resumed regular weekend service.

 

Death toll

Superstorm Sandy is now being blamed for 23 deaths in New Jersey.

The latest death involved a Hunterdon County man who apparently suffered head injuries while using a chain saw to trim or cut down trees that were damaged during the storm.