Your ultimate guide to voting in NJ
We’ve done the hard work of gathering all the info you need so you don’t have to.
New Jersey, it’s go time! Election Day will be here before you know it, ballots are already on the move if you’ve registered to vote by mail, so now is the time to make a plan to vote. Your vote is your voice. It is the best way to be heard on the issues that matter most to you and your community.
With so many different ways to vote in this year’s election, voting couldn’t be easier or more convenient! We’ve put together this guide to outline all the different options, so you can find the way that works best for you. Here’s everything you need to know about voting ahead of November’s election:
REGISTERED TO VOTE?
Let’s start off with the #1 key to voting: registering. Registering to vote is as easy as going online and visiting the official New Jersey Online Voter Registration website here. (Don’t worry, we got you!)
Registering via Paper Applications
But wait, what if I can’t register to vote online? Fear not! You can still download a paper application here. Scroll down, find your county, and print that bad boy out. Mail your application to your local board of elections before October 12, and you are ready to vote!
Checking Your Registration Status
Unsure if you are registered in New Jersey? Simply click here to find out.
ALL THE WAYS TO VOTE!
Alright, alright, alright. Now that we checked off registering to do the thing (aka vote!), let’s get to the good stuff. Here are all the different ways you can vote in New Jersey this year:
Vote by Mail
Want to vote from the comfort of your own home? Well, you totally can — right now!
All you have to do is print out a vote-by-mail application here — locate your county, fill it out, and return it back to your local county clerk. You need to request your ballot by October 26 — seven days before the election. You can also apply in person at your local County Clerk Office until 3 PM the day before the election.
Once you receive your vote-by-mail ballot in your mailbox (and voters across the state are ALREADY getting them!), you’ll want to do the following to make sure your vote counts:
- Look inside the envelope you receive in the mail for these items:
- The ballot
- An inner envelope with an attached certificate
- A mailing envelope
2. Completely fill in the oval next to each of your selections in blue or black ink.
3. Fill in and sign the certificate, keeping it attached to the inner envelope.
4. Place the ballot into the certificate envelope.
5. Then, place the certificate envelope into the mailing envelope.
6. Return your ballot by one of the following options:
- Mail: It must be postmarked on or before 8 PM on November 2.
- Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place it in one of your county’s secure ballot drop boxes by 8 PM on November 2. Find the closest drop box here.
- Board of Elections Office: Deliver it in person to your county’s Board of Elections Office by 8 PM on November 2 — locations here.
IMPORTANT: Vote-by-mail ballots CANNOT be returned to your early voting location or polling place. Period.
Early Voting In-Person
For the first time, New Jersey now has not one, not two, but NINE full days of early in-person voting. Yes, you read that right. Starting Saturday, October 23 through Sunday, October 31 you can cast your ballot early in-person! That’s two whole weekends before Election Day — no excuses.
Hours will be Monday — Saturday, 10 AM–8 PM and Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM. Halloween costume optional, but welcome. Find your early voting location here.
This option makes voting work with your schedule. No more stressing out over getting to polls before they close on Election Day. Phil Murphy and Dems across the state promised to protect and expand voting, and they’re doing just that!
In-Person Voting on Election Day: Tuesday, November 2
There’s a certain energy around voting in-person on November 2. We live for the excitement in the air on Election Day — it’s like that new car smell, but better. The good news is you can still vote in-person at your polling place on Election Day!
You know the drill: cast your votes in person at your polling place, from 6 AM to 8 PM on Tuesday, November 2. Find your Election Day polling location here. Who knows, you may even spot us at the polls 👀
If you’re a voter with disabilities, there’s ways to ensure you can get to your polling location with accessibility and ease. Find out more about accessibility options here.
No matter which way you’re voting, make your plan to vote today!
And that’s all folks…
So now that you have all the details on voting in New Jersey this year, let’s come together and participate in our democracy. We have to show up! That means casting your vote and taking your family, friends, and neighbors to make their voices heard too!
Get out there and VOTE!
