New Jersey Primary Election
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 02:39 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 17, 2023 06:39 a.m. UTC
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This election guide is researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization, to inform voters via TurboVote and other partners. The information in these guides originates from official sources. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on New Jersey's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, early voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about voting early in New Jersey.
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check New Jersey’s site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in New Jersey before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're voting for the first-time in your county, registered to vote by mail, and didn't provide an ID number or copy of ID when you registered, you must show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- NJ driver's license, with or without a photo
- military or other government ID
- student ID
- employee ID
- store membership card
- US passport
- bank statement, car registration, government check or document, rent receipt, sample ballot, utility bill, or any other official document
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
Can I register to vote online?
- New Jersey offers online voter registration.
- You will need your date of birth and one of the following forms of identification in order to use New Jersey’s online voter registration system: a current and valid ID Card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number. To use your Social Security number, you must have the ability to sign on-screen or upload your signature to complete the registration process. If you don’t have either form of identification, you can still register by mail to vote.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Use the National Voter Registration Form
- Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
- Box 6 - ID Number: The last four digits of your Social Security number OR your New Jersey driver's license number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identifications, please write "NONE" on the form. The State will assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: New Jersey requires that you register with a party to participate in partisan primary elections. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification OR current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
- More information here.
How do I vote by mail?
In New Jersey, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Download your mail ballot form. We recommend you request your mail ballot at least two weeks before the May 30 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your County Clerk.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on New Jersey’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
No, this election does not offer in-person registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections's website or contacting your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : May 16
- Online : May 16
- By mail (postmarked by) : May 16
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
If you've voted in New Jersey before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're voting for the first-time in your county, registered to vote by mail, and didn't provide an ID number or copy of ID when you registered, you must show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- NJ driver's license, with or without a photo
- military or other government ID
- student ID
- employee ID
- store membership card
- US passport
- bank statement, car registration, government check or document, rent receipt, sample ballot, utility bill, or any other official document
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote a provisional ballot.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
Who can register to vote?
To register in New Jersey you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be at least 17 years old (you must be at least 18 to vote)
- be a resident of the state of New Jersey and the county in which you register for at least 30 days before the election in which you vote
- not be serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of New Jersey or another state or of the United States
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your County Clerk for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your County Clerk may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your County Clerk.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your County Clerk.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your County Clerk first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your County Clerk.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in New Jersey. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using New Jersey's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In New Jersey, your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Department of State, Division of Elections oversees elections and election administration in New Jersey. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections.