How to vote in New Jersey

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Summary

New Jersey allows any voter to request a ballot by mail. You can also vote in person. New Jersey offers early voting.

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 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, New Jersey does offer early voting. 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.

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.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on New Jersey’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, New Jersey does offer early voting.
  • 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.

      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.

      How do I vote by mail?

      In New Jersey, any registered voter can request to get a ballot by mail. Fill out the mail ballot application and mail or return it in person to your County Clerk.

      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?

      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?

      New Jersey does not offer registration on Election Day.

      Get Ready to Vote

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

      Learn more about what will be on your ballot by visiting Ballotpedia.

      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!

      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.