EAST NEWARK — It was primary election day in New Jersey on Tuesday, and in East Newark – population 2,735 – it was unusually energetic.

Cars with political signs taped to windows and dashboards lined Central Avenue outside the East Newark Rec Center. Residents gathered on nearby street corners and sidewalks sporting T-shirts for their preferred mayoral candidate.

Though primary elections in deeply Democratic Hudson County might have been mundane and predictable elsewhere, in East Newark, Mayor Joe Smith, a Democrat, faced a challenge for the first time in 16 years from Dina Grilo, a financial executive and former volunteer firefighter who’s lived in the borough since the fourth grade.

Bob Knapp, the East Newark clerk, said voter turnout was “steady” throughout the day.

With no Republican on the ballot, the winner of the Democratic primary will likely win the November general election.

Voter Joan S. said she made her choice based on “loyalty.” And she wasn’t alone.

“I voted for experience, for someone who cares about the town, who’s been involved with the town the most time,” said Rose Evaristo, a member of the borough’s council and planning board.

But the theme of change also hovered in the minds of residents on a picture-perfect election day.

“I think there’s more support today because they’re looking for change, because nothing has been done for years,” said Anthony Ruccatano, Jr., a resident of 57 years who says he votes in every election.

Ruccatano said Harrison and Kearny are “blowing right by” East Newark, no recreation programs exist for the town’s children and the police force is too small and underpaid.

He said he even offered to fund an art program himself to offer kids a “change in their lives and an opportunity to pay it forward.”

“Nothing ever gets done here,” he said.

Smith, mayor of 32 years, isn’t the only one with deep roots in this small town, too. “I knew her (Grilo) growing up – a lifelong friend,” said Carlos Pais. “She’s like a sister to me.”

He said he’s most proud of his ability to keep taxes reasonable over his career as mayor and his decisions to merge services with neighboring municipalities in order to manage a tight budget.

“I really enjoy (the job). I love helping people. It’s been a long time, but it’s an indication that I must’ve been doing something right,” Smith said. “We’ve got the third-lowest tax rate in Hudson County and second-lowest crime rate.”

Grilo said she has the energy of the borough behind her to make change, citing issues in public safety, community engagement and transparency. She is pushing for more police officers, various community events, better management of the rec center and moving the council’s meetings to 7 p.m. from 5:30 p.m.

“I believe in the borough. I want to address issues I and the taxpayers have voiced.” Grilo said. “We have lots of ideas and we are ready to mobilize.”