ELECTIONS AND VOTING

ELECTION DATES AND TIMES

Primary elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June.  The primary is held for parties to nominate candidates for the General Election, and to elect Democratic and Republican party members of the state and county committees (and, in presidential election years, delegates to national nominating conventions).  Polling hours are 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

General elections are held the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November to elect national, state, county and municipal officials.  Polling hours are 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

School elections are held to elect members to the School Boards and to approve school tax levies.  These elections are generally on the third Tuesday in April.  Polling hours are 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

ELECTION RESULTS

VOTER REGISTRATION

Voting is one of the most basic privileges, rights and responsibilities a citizen has.  In New Jersey, you are eligible to vote if you

• Are a US citizen , and
• Reside in a municipality 30 days before an election, and
• Are 18 on or before Election Day , and
• Are not serving a sentence, on parole or on probation as a result of being convicted of an indictable offense in any state.

You may register any time throughout the year but in order to vote in any election, your registration must be received 29 days prior to the election in which you wish to vote.

You may register to vote at the county Commissioner of Registration's office.  You may register also by mail by filling out an application and mailing it.

Commissioner of Registration
Morris County Administration Building
PO Box 900
Morristown, NJ 07963-0900
973-285-6715
(FAX) 973-285-5208

The Registration form may be downloaded by following the links here, and copies are also available at the county office, any municipal clerk's office, through the League of Women Voters, other public agencies and usually through political party headquarters.

In New Jersey you do not have to declare a party affiliation when you register. You may choose, if you wish.

If you are a newly registered voter, or you have never voted in a primary election, you still may vote in the primary election in June.  When you go to the polls that day, you will ask for one party's ballot.  That declaration will enroll you in the party you choose.  You will be affiliated with that party unless you file a letter or written form asking your party affiliation be changed.  Such a declaration must be received by the county office at least 50 days before the primary election.

You also may choose to become a registered independent by filing a letter or form.  If you do so, you will not be allowed to vote in the primary election.

Voting questions can be answered by a municipal clerk or by the Commissioner of Registration.  Call 973-285-6715 in Morris County.

ABSENTEE BALLOT

You may vote by absentee ballot if you are properly registered and:

• You expect to be out of the state on election day
• You are ill or physically disabled (including pregnancy)
• You will be observing a religious holiday
• You will be living at a school, college or university, or
• The nature and hours of your employment prevent you from getting to the polls.

You may apply to the Commissioner of Registration in writing up to seven days before an election.  Applications are available at any municipal clerk's office or at the Commissioner of Registration's office.  When your application is received and approved, your ballot will be sent to the address you request, or you may pick it up in person.

Within seven days, and up to 3:00 PM of the day before an election, you may apply in person at the office of the county Commissioner of Registration. 

If you become sick or confined within seven days of an election, you may apply for an absentee ballot by messenger.  Contact the Commissioner of Registration for details on the procedure.

A person in the military service need not be registered if he or she is otherwise qualified to vote and is:

• An armed forces member or a spouse or dependent of a member
• A patient in a veteran's hospital, or
• A civilian attached to or serving in the armed forces out of state or a spouse or dependent living with or accompanying that person.

Contact the Commissioner of Registration or a municipal clerk for a military service ballot application.

If you live overseas you may vote using a federal overseas ballot, available from the Commissioner of Registration's office.

WHAT IF I MOVE?

If you move between counties more than 29 days before an election, you must re-register in the new county and vote in the new county.  If you move between counties within the 29 days before an election, you may vote in the former county.

If you move within a county more than 29 days before an election, you must file a written change of address with the county office.