How to register to vote in New Jersey

Can I trust this information?

These guides are 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 state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

How do I report an issue with the information provided on this page?

Drop us a line to report an issue, share feedback or ask questions about the voting information on this page.

Summary

New Jersey offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in New Jersey by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

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

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

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections
  8. 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.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

New Jersey does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

Get Ready to Vote

How do I get help registering to vote?

If you’d like more help planning how to register, TurboVote can walk you through the process! They can also help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more.

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:
  1. 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.
  2. Send the application to your County Clerk.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. 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.

Which election office should I contact?

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your County Commissioner of Registration/Superintendent of Elections.