Stephanie Salvatore

A candidate for the GOP State Assembly nomination in the 3rd Legislative District was not registered to vote in New Jersey while competing for the seat at a county convention.

Robert Villare, a cardiothoracic surgeon who lives in West Deptford, just signed his voter registration card at the Gloucester County Board of Elections yesterday - four days after seeking the Cumberland County Republican Party's endorsement for an assembly seat at their convention.

Villare responded that he used to be registered in New Jersey, but registered in Delaware when he temporarily moved there to work at two different hospitals.   Records show Villare registered as an Independent in Wilmington as recently as October, 2008.

"I was previously registered in New Jersey, spent a couple years in Delaware working, but I kept my home in New Jersey," he said.  "What's the difference? I've been registered in New Jersey, grew up here and lived my life here.  I understand that this is politics, but that's not the main issue here... so let's set the record straight."

Villare then said he did not want to talk about the matter anymore, leaving open the question of the last time he voted.

"If you have questions on real issues facing New Jersey I'll be glad to speak about them," he told PolitickerNJ.com.

Polls opened with no way of knowing if voters were voting twice.

Gov. Jon Corzine announced today the direct appointment of Stephanie Salvatore of Sewell as Gloucester County’s interim superintendent of elections.