Voters in hundreds of New Jersey school districts headed to the polls Tuesday to voice their opinions on school budgets, school board members and other important issues.

Among the issues up for a vote in Edison was the expansion of three schools, which failed. Edison voters did pass the proposed school budget, which included a small increase. The district was one of those helped by increased state aid.

Hamilton voters also had the option of voting on a lower budget because of the new state funding formula. However, tax hikes and school cuts were issues in places like Brick.

School district officials say voter turnout is vital in such elections.

"You can go and say to us ?you are doing the wrong thing? or you can say ?you're doing the right thing,?? Edison Board of Education Vice President Joseph Romano says.

In 2007, Garden State voters approved more than 78 percent of the state?s local school budgets. Twenty-eight districts around the state proposed additional ballot questions. The vote counting could last for days in some districts.