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How to vote in New Jersey

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. 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.

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Registration 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.

Voting Summary

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

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

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Can I register to vote online?

  • New Jersey offers online voter registration.
  • To register online in New Jersey, you need to provide your New Jersey Driver’s License number OR non-driver ID card number issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). If you do not have a New Jersey-issued ID, you must provide your Social Security number AND use a device that allows you to sign on-screen or upload your signature. If you don’t have any of the above, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail.
Watch this video about online voter registration from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

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

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: When submitting your application by mail in New Jersey, you are required to provide your New Jersey Driver’s License number or non-driver ID card number issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). If you do not have a New Jersey-issued ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, indicate you do not have an ID number and include a copy of ONE of the following with your application: current and valid photo ID or document with your name and current address. If you do not include a copy of acceptable ID with your application, you will need to verify your identity the first time you vote.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: You are required to register with a party to participate in New Jersey 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.
Watch this video about by mail registration from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your County Clerk to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

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.

Who can register to vote?

To register in New Jersey you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • 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

Watch this video about who can register to vote from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections.

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

New Jersey does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in New Jersey before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 17 years old
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a resident of the county for 30 days before the election in which you plan to vote
  • are not serving a sentence of incarceration as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under the laws of any state in the United States

You must be at least 18 years old to vote.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections website.
To register using the New Jersey online voter registration system, you are required to provide your New Jersey Driver’s License number or non-driver ID card number issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). If you do not have a New Jersey-issued ID, you must provide your Social Security number AND use a device that allows you to sign on-screen or upload your signature.

If you don’t have any of the above, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in New Jersey, you are required to provide your New Jersey Driver’s License number or non-driver ID card number issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). If you do not have a New Jersey-issued ID, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number and include a copy of ONE of the following with your application:
  • current and valid photo ID
  • document with your name and current address

If you do not include a copy of acceptable ID with your application, you will need to verify your identity the first time you vote.

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in person at a motor vehicle agency while applying for or renewing a driver’s license or non-driver ID card with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The MVC will report the information to the New Jersey Division of Elections.

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 offers 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
  • US passport
  • military or other government ID
  • student ID
  • employee ID
  • store membership card
  • bank statement, car registration, government check or document, rent receipt, sample ballot, utility bill, or any other official document with your name and address

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.
Watch this video about voting in person from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections.

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
      • US passport
      • military or other government ID
      • student ID
      • employee ID
      • store membership card
      • bank statement, car registration, government check or document, rent receipt, sample ballot, utility bill, or any other official document with your name and address

      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?

      • 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.
        • Your ballot must be postmarked on or before Election Day and received by your County Clerk no later than 6 days after Election Day.

      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.

      Watch this video about voting by mail from the New Jersey Department of State, Division of Elections.

      How do I see what's on my ballot?

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

      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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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

      Which election office should I contact?


      How do I contact my local election office?

      Visit your state's site to find your County Election Offices.