1. On November 3, 1948, New Jersey became the first state to vote for a female candidate for the U.S. Senate. Democrat Helen Stevenson Meyner narrowly defeated Republican incumbent H. Alexander Smith in one of the closest Senate races in state history.

2. On November 3, 1979, the New Jersey State Police busted a massive drug ring in Hammonton, leading to the arrest of over 100 people and the seizure of $1.5 million worth of cocaine.

3. On November 3, 1992, voters in New Jersey approved a referendum to allow casino gambling in Atlantic City. The measure passed by a slim margin, 54% to 46%, and paved the way for the growth of the city's casino industry.

4. On November 3, 1998, New Jersey became the first state to require all public schools to conduct random drug testing of student athletes. The controversial policy remains in effect to this day.

5. On November 3, 2020, New Jersey held its general election, with residents casting their ballots for president, U.S. Senate, and various state and local offices. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many voters opted to vote by mail, leading to record-breaking turnout and a delay in the final results.