Vote New Jersey

NJ PRIMARY ELECTION:

JUNE 4, 2024

ELECCIÓN PRIMARIA DE NJ:

4 DE JUNIO DE 2024

Registration Deadline: May 14

Deadline to apply by mail for Vote-by-Mail ballot: May 28

Deadline to apply in-person for VBM ballot: June 3, 3 pm

Deadline to mail VBM ballot: June 4

Deadline to deliver VBM ballot to drop box or county office: June 4, 8 pm

Deadline to “cure” VBM or provisional ballot issue: June 15

Ballot must be received by the county board of elections by June 10

Fecha límite de inscripción: 14 de mayo

Fecha límite para solicitar por correo la boleta de voto por correo: 28 de mayo

Fecha límite para solicitar en persona la boleta de voto por correo: 3 de junio, 3 pm

Fecha límite para enviar la boleta de voto por correo: 4 de junio

Fecha límite para entregar la boleta de voto por correo en las cajas electorales designadas o a la oficina del condado: 4 de junio, 8 pm

Fecha límite para “curar” la boleta de voto por correo o emisión de boleta provisional: 15 de junio

Las boletas con estampillas deben ser recibidas antes del 10 de junio

SEATS UP FOR ELECTION

U.S. President: Candidates from the Republican party vie for their party’s nomination to run in the general election.

U.S. Senate: New Jersey voters select their party’s candidate for the US Senate to run in the general election.

U.S. House Representative: Voters in certain congressional districts will select their party’s candidate for the House of Representatives to run in the general election.

PUESTOS DISPONIBLES EN ESTA ELECCIÓN

Presidente de EE.UU.: Los candidatos del partido Republicano compiten por la nominación de su partido para participar en la elección general.

Senado de EE.UU.: Los votantes en Nueva Jersey seleccionan al candidato de su partido para el Senado de EE.UU. para participar en la elección general.

Cámara de Representantes de EE.UU.: Los votantes en ciertos distritos congresional seleccionan al candidato de su partido para la Cámara de Representantes para participar en la elección general.

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, 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.

LA IMPORTANCIA DE ESTA ELECCIÓN

El Presidente establece la política nacional, representa a EE.UU. en el extranjero y es el Comandante en Jefe de las fuerzas armadas. Esta elección decide la dirección del liderazgo en temas como seguridad nacional, política exterior, economía y leyes federales.

Senado de EE.UU.: Los senadores votan sobre leyes federales, confirman a jueces federales y nominados a la Corte Suprema, y ratifican tratados. Esta elección da forma a la agenda legislativa en temas como salud, educación y política ambiental.

Los representantes presentan y votan sobre proyectos de ley federales y tienen el poder exclusivo de iniciar proyectos de ley de ingresos. Esta elección impacta las prioridades del presupuesto federal y la legislación que afecta la vida diaria, desde la tributación hasta los servicios sociales.

VERIFY YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION!

You can verify your voter registration online at vote.nj.gov or by calling NJ Division of Elections at 609-292-3760.

¡VERIFIQUE SU REGISTRO DE VOTANTE!

Puede verificar su registro de votante en línea en vote.nj.gov o llamando a la División de Elecciones de NJ al 609-292-3760.

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE!

Look up your polling place online at vote.nj.gov, or by calling NJ Division of Elections at 609-292-3760.

¡ENCUENTRA TU LUGAR DE VOTACIÓN!

Busque su lugar de votación en línea en vote.nj.gov, o llamando a la División de Elecciones de NJ al 609-292-3760.

KEY RESOURCES / RECURSOS CLAVE

1. Vote.nj.gov

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 June 4 Primary 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 (May 29 – June 2). 
- Mail your vote-by-mail ballot through the U.S. Postal Service postmarked by June 4. Your ballot must be received by the County Bd. Of Elections by June 10. 
- Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a secure drop box or county board of elections by 8 p.m. on June 4.

Can I vote in person?

For the June 4 Primary 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 June 4 Primary Election.
For the June 4 Primary Election, the early voting period will be from May 29 – June 2. 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 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 May 14 for the Primary 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 609.292.3760.  
The deadline to register for the election is May 14, 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 if I am unaffiliated with a political party or would like to change my party affiliation?

New Jersey has updated its Vote-By-Mail procedures for 2024, ensuring that all active registered voters are eligible to vote by mail. It’s important to note that unaffiliated mail-in voters will need to declare their affiliation with either the Democratic or Republican Party to participate in the Primary Election.
- To change your party affiliation, file a political party affiliation declaration form to declare a party or change their party affiliation the change by Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
- Voters can also complete the online voter registration form to declare a party or change their party affiliation.
- Unaffiliated mail-in voters should declare their party by Tuesday, May 28, 2024, to receive their ballot by mail, or by 3:00 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, to obtain a ballot in person or through an authorized messenger from the County Clerk’s Office.
- Unaffiliated voters can also declare their party at the polls during early in-person voting or on the day of the Primary Election on June 4 or during the early voting period from May 29 – June 2.

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.

What is the recent change in New Jersey’s ballot design for the primary elections?

A recent court order has changed the design of New Jersey’s Democratic primary ballots for this June. Instead of using the “county line” system, which groups candidates based on party endorsements and gives them preferential placement, all Democratic ballots will now feature an office-block style. This format lists candidates by the office they’re contesting, without any preferential placement, ensuring a fairer choice for voters. This change currently applies only to Democratic ballots, with decisions on its application to Republican ballots and future elections pending as the legal case continues.

What was the court’s reasoning for this decision?

The court found that the county line system discriminates against candidates who are not endorsed or wish to distance themselves from certain endorsements, placing them in less favorable positions on the ballot. The judges found this to be a significant burden on the candidates’ rights.

What does this ruling mean for future elections?

The recent court ruling has settled the issue for the Democratic primary this June, switching all Democratic ballots to the office-block style instead of the county line. This change aims to create a fairer way of listing candidates, avoiding preferential treatment based on party endorsements.
As the lawsuit continues, the court will further decide if this change should be permanent and apply to all future elections, not just this June. It will also consider whether this ruling should affect only Democratic ballots or include Republican ballots as well. This ongoing case will determine if the county line system will be completely done away with in future elections.

Does New Jersey have Same Day Voter Registration?

No. Twenty one 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 May 14 deadline in order to vote in the June 4 Primary Elections.
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 June 4 Primary Election.
For the June 4 Primary Election, the early voting period will be from May 29 – June 2. 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 and when can I vote early in New Jersey?

For the June 4 Primary Election, the postmark deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail is May 28 and the in-person application deadline is June 3 by 3 p.m. The deadline to either drop off or postmark the actual vote-by-mail ballot is June 4. 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 June 4.  
- Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a secure drop box by 8 p.m. on June 4.
- Hand deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to a county board of elections by 8 p.m. on June 4.
There will be early in-person voting for the June 4 Primary Election.
For the June 4 Primary Election, the early voting period will be from May 29 – June 2. 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.

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 June 4 Primary Election, the postmark deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail is May 28 and the in-person application deadline is June 3 by 3 p.m. The deadline to either drop off or postmark the actual vote-by-mail ballot is June 4.

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 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 they are members of the ballots of 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 June 4 Primary Election, ballots must be postmarked by June 4 and must be received by the county board of elections by June 10. 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 7 General Election, the cure letter must be received by November 18 (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 June 4 Primary Election, the cure letter must be received by June 15 (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 June 4 Primary Election, the cure letter must be received by June 15 (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.

LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

What is redistricting?

Redistricting is the process of redrawing our political boundaries (or voting districts) for state and federal representation. This process happens once every 10 years. That means these political boundaries will be used for the next decade. Having your district fairly represent your community is essential for ensuring you get the representation you deserve. These lines are drawn based on input from advocates, other interested parties and (most importantly) people like you—but only if you make your voice heard.

What is a district?

Voting districts are boundaries that define who represents you at the local, state and federal levels. For example, New Jersey has 40 legislative districts at the state level—each district has one State Senator and two Assembly Members that represent voters in Trenton. At the federal level, New Jersey has 12 congressional districts—voters in each district elect one Representative to represent them in Washington, DC. You may also have new district, or council member, lines in your municipality.

Do I have a new district this year?

You might. After the census, we redraw our congressional and state legislative maps so that we have districts of equal population—one person, one vote. To see in detail if and how your district has changed, use the district look-up tool.

KEY RESOURCES

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

If you have a question about your registration, contact the 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.

Your 2024 Election Guide