GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 5, 2024

 

Registration Deadline: October 15 

Deadline to apply by mail for Vote-by-Mail ballot: October 29

Deadline to apply in-person for VBM ballot: November 4, 3 p.m.

Deadline to mail VBM ballot: November 5

Deadline to deliver VBM ballot to drop box or county office: November 5, 8 p.m.

Deadline to “cure” VBM or provisional ballot issue: November 16

Ballot must be received by the county board of elections by November 11

SEATS UP FOR ELECTION 

U.S. President: Candidates from both parties vie for the presidency in the general election.

U.S. Senate: New Jersey voters will elect their U.S. Senator in the general election.

U.S. House Representative: Voters in certain congressional districts will elect their representative for the House of Representatives in the general election.

County and Municipal Elections: Numerous county-level positions (e.g., County Committee Member, Sheriff, Register, etc.) and municipal-level positions (e.g., Town Council) will be up for election. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ELECTION

The President sets national policy, represents the US abroad, and is Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. This election decides the leadership direction on issues such as national security, foreign policy, the economy, and federal laws. 

Senators vote on federal laws, confirm federal judges and Supreme Court nominees, and ratify treaties. This election shapes the legislative agenda on issues like healthcare, education, and environmental policy.  

Representatives introduce and vote on federal bills and have the sole power to initiate revenue bills. This election impacts federal budget priorities and legislation affecting daily life, from taxation to social services.

County officials are in charge of county parks and jails, including the conditions of both. Local officials determine how often your streets are plowed, how much parking is available, and how much housing development occurs. 

VERIFY YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION!

You can verify your voter registration online at vote.nj.gov or by calling NJ Division of Elections at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837).

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE!

Look up your polling place online at vote.nj.gov, or by calling NJ Division of Elections at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837).

KEY RESOURCES

1. Vote.nj.gov
2. Voter.svrs.nj.gov/register  
3. Nj.gov/state/elections/vote-by-mail.shtml
4. Nj.gov/state/elections/vote-county-election-officials.shtml

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

 

 

WAYS TO VOTE

 

How can I vote in the elections?

  • Registered voters can vote in person or by vote-by-mail ballot.
  • There will be four ways to vote for the November 5 General Election:   
    • Vote in person at your designated polling place on Election Day.  
    • Vote in person at an early voting location during the early voting period (October 26 – November 3). 
    • Mail your vote-by-mail ballot through the U.S. Postal Service postmarked by November 5. Your ballot must be received by the County Bd. Of Elections by November 11. 
    • Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a secure drop box or county board of elections by 8 p.m. on November 5.

Can I vote in person?

  • For the November 5 General Election eligible voters will be able to vote in person using a machine. You can look up your polling place online here or by calling the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or the New Jersey Division of Elections at 1-877-NJ-VOTER.
  • There will be early in-person voting for the November 5 General Election.
  • For the November 5 General Election, the early voting period will be from October 26 – November 3. Hours will be Friday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.  The locations will be provided here. 

Where is my polling place?

  • You can look up your polling place online here or by calling the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE or the New Jersey Division of Elections at 1-877-NJ-VOTER. You can find a statewide list of polling places broken down by county here. The polling places will be open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. You have the right to vote if you are in line or inside the polling place when the polls close. 

What if I believe I am registered to vote and am told at my polling location that my name is not on the voter rolls?

  • Confirm that you are at the correct polling place and ask the poll worker to double-check the voter list. If the poll worker still cannot find your name and you are sure you are registered and in the correct polling place, you are still entitled to cast a provisional ballot and poll workers are required by law to provide you with a provisional ballot. The county board of elections will verify your registration. If you are registered, your ballot will count. You can also check your registration status online here or by calling the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE.  

What if I need help voting in person?

  • Voters with disabilities and voters who are visually impaired or unable to read and write may receive assistance in voting. The voter may choose anyone to assist them, except for their employer, an agent of their employer, an officer of their union or an agent of their union. 

Will sample ballots be mailed?

  • Yes, sample ballots will be mailed to all registered voters prior to the election. 

 

VOTING ELIGIBILITY 

 

Who can vote in the elections?

  • To vote in any of the elections, you must be:
    • A U.S. citizen 
    • 18 years old on or before Election Day 
    • A resident of your county for at least 30 days before the election 
    • Not currently serving a prison sentence for an indictable offense. If you are detained in jail awaiting trial or serving time for a disorderly (misdemeanor) offense, you are eligible to register and vote by mail-in ballot 
    • If you are homeless, you may register by providing a contact point or location where you spend most of your time 
    • Register to vote by October 15 for the General Elections

Can I vote if I’m on probation or parole?

  • Yes. As of March 17, 2020, New Jersey citizens on parole and probation are able to register and vote in all elections. No fees or restitution must be paid before being permitted to vote. This law does not apply to people who are currently incarcerated for an indictable offense.   
  • A citizen incarcerated in county jail for a disorderly offense has the right to vote.

How do I register to vote and what is the deadline?

  • You can register to vote online here. Alternatively, you can register to vote by downloading a registration form here. Please fill out the form for your county of residence. Once the form is complete, mail or deliver it to your county Commissioner of Registration or the Superintendent of Elections. You can also call your county clerk to receive a voter registration form via mail with prepaid postage. If you need assistance or have questions, please call 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837).  
  • Also, online voter registration (OVR) is now available in New Jersey! You can register here. You can register using your driver’s license, other MVC-issued ID number or the last four digits of your social security number and electronic signature.   
  • You can verify your voter registration and active status online here, or by calling the New Jersey Division of Elections at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837) 
  • The deadline to register for the election is October 15, 2024.

Do I need to show photo identification to vote in person?

  • New Jersey law does not require voters to present a photo ID before being able to vote. However, if you did not provide identification when you registered to vote (e.g., your driver’s license number, non-driver identification number or the last four digits of your social security number), or the county commissioner was unable to verify your identification information, you must show some form of identification at the polling place when you go to vote. Acceptable forms of ID include, but are not limited to, any current and valid photo ID, such as a New Jersey Driver’s License, military or government ID, student or job ID, store membership card or US passport, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, car registration, government check, rent receipt or other official document that contains the name and address of the voter. 
  • If you don’t have any of these forms of ID, you may still cast a provisional ballot. However, you must submit a copy of your ID to your county board of elections before the close of business on the second day after the election for your ballot to be counted.  

Do I need to be affiliated with a political party to vote in New Jersey?

  • All registered voters in New Jersey can vote in the General Election regardless of their party affiliation.

What is the party line?

  • The “party line” or “the Line” is often discussed in New Jersey. Most county parties organize their ballots around party line, wherein the county branches of both major parties list their endorsed candidates in a vertical column or horizontal row. The format puts candidates not on the party line at a disadvantage because whoever ends up on the line with the most well-known candidate often wins. Other candidates are placed on other lines, sometimes far away from the main line, minimizing visibility.  There is pending litigation challenging this practice. It is important to note that you do not have to vote for someone who is on the same “line” as the person above them or at the top of the ticket. Each race can and should be considered separately. 

Does New Jersey have Same Day Voter Registration?

  • No. Twenty-five states plus D.C. allow voters to register to vote on the same day that they cast their ballot – up to and on Election Day.  New Jersey is not one of them.  Therefore, everyone must register by the October 15 deadline in order to vote in the November 5 General Election. 
  • Take Action here to tell elected officials to support A925/S1193 – same-day registration in New Jersey! 

 

EARLY VOTING

 

Does New Jersey have early in-person voting?

  • Yes. There will be early in-person voting for the November 5 General Election. 
  • For the November 5 General Election, the early voting period will be from October 26 – November 3. Hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The locations will be provided here.  

Where and when can I vote early in New Jersey?

  • You can vote early through either vote-by-mail or early in-person voting.
  • For the November 5 General Election, the postmark deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail is October 29 and the in-person application deadline is November 4 by 3 p.m. The deadline to either drop off or postmark the actual vote-by-mail ballot is November 5. To cast your vote-by-mail ballot, complete one of the following:  
    • Mail your vote-by-mail ballot through the U.S. Postal Service, postmarked by November 5.   
    • Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a secure drop box by 8 p.m. on November 5. 
    • Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a county board of elections by 8 p.m. on November 5. 
  • There will be early in-person voting for the November 5 General Election. 
  • For the November 5 General Election, the early voting period will be from October 26 – November 3. Hours will be Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.  The locations will be provided here.  

Can I vote at any early voting site?

  • Registered voters may only vote at an early voting location in their county of residence. They simply have to show up during early voting hours to vote. You can find the designated early voting locations in your county here.  

 

VOTE-BY-MAIL

 

Will everyone automatically receive a vote-by-mail ballot?

  • No. Unless they are already on the default vote-by-mail list, voters will not be automatically sent a vote-by-mail ballot without a request. However, every registered voter is eligible to receive a vote-by-mail ballot by applying for one. When filling out your application you can signify if you want to be placed on the default vote-by-mail list going forward (wherein you will receive a vote-by-mail ballot for all future elections).  To confirm whether you are on the default list, please call your county clerk.  

How do I apply for a vote-by-mail ballot?

  • You can find the vote-by-mail application here. The application must be returned to your county clerk by the below listed deadlines.  
  • For the November 5 General Election, the postmark deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail is October 29 and the in-person application deadline is November 4 by 3 p.m. The deadline to either drop off or postmark the actual vote-by-mail ballot is November 5. 

How do I properly fill out a vote-by-mail ballot?

  • Make sure you carefully read all the instructions on the ballot. Use a black or blue ink pen to completely fill in the oval next to your choices. Do not use check marks or Xs. If you make an error, please contact your county clerk to request a replacement or vote in person via provisional ballot. After completing your ballot, place it in the provided envelope, and make sure to sign and date where indicated. Your signature must match the one on file with your voter registration. Ensure the envelope is properly sealed before mailing or dropping it off.

What should I do if I make an error, lose, or misplace my ballot?

  • Contact your local county clerk as soon as possible to request a replacement ballot.
  • Alternatively, you can vote in person via provisional ballot at an early voting site in your county or at your polling place on Election Day.

Are there any special requirements for completing the vote-by-mail ballot?

  • Make sure not to use initials instead of your full signature.
  • Use the provided envelope to return your ballot.
  • Mail your ballot early enough to ensure it is received by the election deadline. Postmarks are important, but the ballot must be received on time to be counted.

Do I have to pay for vote-by-mail postage?

  • Yes, postage is needed for vote-by-mail applications and ballots for most counties. While some counties provide pre-paid postage, most do not.  

What is the difference between a vote-by-mail ballot and an absentee ballot?

  • Nothing. In New Jersey, the term “absentee ballot” was replaced with the term “vote-by-mail ballot” by law in 2009. This allowed for New Jersey voters to request a vote-by-mail ballot for any reason.  

Will there be ballot drop box locations?

  • There are at least 10 readily accessible secure ballot drop box locations per county. Find ballot drop box locations here. A drop box is a secure, locked structure operated by election officials where voters may deliver their ballots from the time they receive them in the mail up to the time polls close on Election Day. Drop boxes are accessible 24/7 and have video surveillance for security. 
  • You can use any ballot drop box in the county you live in to drop off your ballot. You do not have to use the one that is closest to you or even one in your own town. You do have to use a drop box in the county you live in, however. Find ballot drop box locations here. 

Will my vote-by-mail ballot be counted?

  • All valid vote-by-mail ballots will be counted. Be sure to carefully follow all the vote-by-mail instructions and sign the certification envelope when you return your ballot. 
  • Your county board of elections is responsible for counting all paper ballots including vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots. If you have any questions, you should reach out to them. 

How can I track my vote-by-mail ballot?

  • You can track your ballot online by setting up a public access account on the Secretary of State’s website. To set up an account, you will be asked to provide your driver’s license number, last four digits of Social Security number or Voter ID number. The system compares that to your voter file to verify your account. If your file does not contain some of that information, you may have some trouble creating an account. You can find your Voter ID number here. When you type in your information to check your registration status, the site will also provide you with your Voter ID number. You can use that to create a public access account to track your ballot. You can also track your ballot by calling 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837) to find out if your ballot was counted. If your ballot was not counted, you can find out why it was rejected.

Can I drop off my vote-by-mail ballot at my early voting site or polling place on Election Day?

  • No. You must either mail, use a drop box or hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to your county board of election’s office. 

Can I deliver or drop off someone else’s vote-by mail ballot, like a family member’s?

  • If you drop off someone else’s ballot, you become a “bearer.” A bearer is a person who transports a completed vote-by-mail ballot for someone else. Bearers are limited to three ballots per election generally or five if the ballots are from family members in the same household. Any additional ballots will be discarded and not counted. The bearer must sign the bearer portion of the outer envelope of the ballot in the presence of the voter when taking custody of the ballot. Bearers are only permitted to deliver other people’s ballots to the county board of elections, secure ballot drop boxes and USPS mailboxes (subject to the same deadlines as the voters themselves). When delivering a ballot in person to the county, the bearer must show ID and sign the county’s Bearer Book.  

Are there reasons my vote-by-mail ballot could be rejected?

  • If you are a registered voter, your vote-by-mail ballot should not be rejected as long as it is properly cast and received on time.  
  • For the November 5 General Election, ballots must be postmarked by November 15 and must be received by the county board of elections by November 11. To ensure your vote-by-mail ballot is not late, you can either drop your vote-by-mail ballot off at a secure drop box location or at your county board of elections office or at your polling place on Election Day.  
  • Vote-by-mail ballots that are returned without the attached certificate will be rejected. Please be careful not to detach that portion of the ballot and follow all instructions. If needed, you can request a replacement ballot from your county board of elections.  
  • If your signature is missing or if it does not match the signature on your voter file, the county board of elections may tentatively reject your ballot. However, there is now a procedure in place to ensure your ballot still counts! If your ballot is tentatively rejected because of a signature issue, the county will mail you a “cure letter” within 24 hours of their review. Please watch out for it in the mail! The cure letter will include a cure form allowing you to verify your ballot. You will have to verify your identity by providing your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your social security number or a state-accepted ID – such as an official document that lists your name and address, or a utility or telephone bill or tax or rent receipt. You must sign and date the form. You will have until 48 hours before the election certification date to return the form to your county board of election, either in person, by fax, by email or by mail (mail has to be received by the certification date, not just postmarked). For the November 5 General Election, the cure letter must be received by November 16 (48 hours before the certification date). 

What if I receive a notice that my vote-by-mail ballot had a signature issue?

  • In order to ensure that you are the person who sent in your ballot, your signature is compared to the signature in your voter file. If your signature is missing or if it does not match the signature on your voter file, the county board of elections may tentatively reject your ballot. However, there is now a procedure in place to ensure your ballot still counts.  
  • If your ballot is tentatively rejected because of a signature issue, the county will mail you a cure letter within 24 hours of their review. The cure letter will include a cure form allowing you to verify your ballot. You will have to verify your identity by providing your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your social security number or a state-accepted ID – such as an official document that lists your name and address, or a utility or telephone bill or tax or rent receipt. You must sign and date the form. You will have until 48 hours before the election certification date to return the form to your county board of election, either in person, by fax, by email or by mail (mail has to be received by the certification date, not just postmarked). For the November 5 General Election, the cure letter must be received by November 16 (48 hours before the certification date). 

 

PROVISIONAL BALLOT

 

What is a provisional ballot?

  • A provisional ballot is cast by a voter whose eligibility to vote cannot be confirmed at the polls on Election Day. If, after the election, it is determined that the voter who cast the provisional ballot was eligible to vote, the ballot will be counted. 

If I’m required to vote by provisional ballot, will it be counted?

  • A provisional ballot is cast by a voter whose eligibility to vote cannot be confirmed at the polls on Election Day. If, after the election, it is determined that the voter who cast the provisional ballot was eligible to vote, the ballot will be counted.  
  • Just like vote-by-mail ballots, all valid provisional ballots will be counted. Be sure to carefully follow all the provisional ballot instructions when casting your ballot.  
  • Your county board of elections is responsible for counting all paper ballots including vote-by-mail ballots and provisional ballots. If you have any questions, you should reach out to them.  
  • Just like with vote-by-mail ballots, in order to ensure that you are the person who voted by provisional ballot, your signature is compared to the signature in your voter file. If your signature is missing or if it does not match the signature on your voter file, the county board of elections may tentatively reject your ballot. However, there is now a procedure in place to ensure your ballot still counts!  
  • If your ballot is tentatively rejected because of a signature issue, the county will mail you a cure letter within 24 hours of their review. The cure letter will include a cure form allowing you to verify your ballot. You will have to verify your identity by providing your driver’s license number, the last four digits of your social security number or a state-accepted ID – such as an official document that lists your name and address, or a utility or telephone bill or tax or rent receipt. You must sign and date the form. You will have until 48 hours before the election certification date to return the form to your county board of election, either in person, by fax, by email or by mail (mail has to be received by the certification date, not just postmarked). For the November 5 General Election, the cure letter must be received by November 16 (48 hours before the certification date). 

How can I track my provisional ballot?

  • You can track your ballot online by setting up a public access account on the Secretary of State’s website. To set up an account, you will be asked to provide your driver’s license number, last four digits of Social Security number or Voter ID number. The system compares that to your voter file to verify your account. If your file does not contain some of that information, you may have some trouble creating an account. You can find your Voter ID number here. When you type in your information to check your registration status, the site will also provide you with your Voter ID number. You can use that to create a public access account to track your ballot. You can also track your ballot by calling 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837) to find out if your ballot was counted. If your ballot was not counted, you can find out why it was rejected. 

How do I find my congressional district?

 

KEY RESOURCES

 

Who should I contact if I have questions or encounter a problem?

  • If you have a question about your registration, contact your county Commissioner of Registration or the Superintendent of Elections.
  • If you have a question about receiving your vote-by-mail ballot, contact your county clerk.          
  • If you have questions about your polling place or the status of your ballot after you have voted, contact your county board of elections. Alternatively, for all of the above, or for any other questions, you can call the state hotline: 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837).          
  • If you encounter any problems voting by any method, call the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) as soon as possible so someone can assist you.             
  • Contact us at vote@njisj.org. 

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