How to vote in N.J. – and how to fight disenfranchisement

Here are some common questions about voting in New Jersey.  Remember, sometimes you must advocate for yourself to avoid being disenfranchised.  Don’t go down without a fight.

What time are the polls open today?

From 6 AM to 8 PM.

Do I have to be declared as a member of a political party?

New Jersey has a closed primary system, so Democrats vote in the Democratic primary and Republicans in the GOP primary.  Unaffiliated voters may choose to become Democrats or Republicans by declaring themselves at the polls.  The deadline to change parties has passed.

What if the voter rolls list my party incorrectly?

Mistakes happen, especially if you’ve been to the Motor Vehicles Commission to change your address or get a REAL ID since the last time you voted in a primary.  You have the option of going before a judge if you believe election officials have inaccurately assigned you to a political party.

Can 17-year-olds vote in today’s primary?

Yes, if you have previously registered to vote, if you turn 18 by April 16, and if you are registered as a Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated.  This is a new law sponsored by State Sen. Andrew Zwicker that became effective this year.  If you registered and your name is not on the voter list, ask to speak to a judge.

What happens if I get to my polling place before 8 PM and there is a line?

As long as you arrive before 8 PM, you will be permitted to vote.  Polling places must remain open until every voter who arrives on time has the opportunity to vote – so please don’t leave.

How do I find my polling location?

It will be on your sample ballot.  If you can’t find it, you can use the Division of Elections website to find out.  Click HERE.

Is there a way to check my voter registration?

Yes.  Click HERE.  Believe it or not, not everyone in New Jersey realizes the voter registration deadline for today’s election was on October 15.

Should I put my ballot in the mailbox?

No! No! A thousand times, no!  If you use the U.S. Postal Service this late, your vote may not count; the U.S. Postmaster General has said he couldn’t assure the delivery of ballots mailed less than a week before Election Day.  Click HERE to learn about the new USPS rules.  Use only Secure Ballot Drop Box locations in the county you live in.

How do I find a Secure Ballot Drop Box?

Click HERE for a list.

If I have already voted by mail, how can I confirm that my ballot has been received?

Click HERE to sign up for a Track Your Ballot account.  It’s free and private.

What should I do if my ballot hasn’t arrived?

Voters need to take responsibility for their own vote.  Contact a county election official.  You will have the option of going to the county election office and getting a replacement VBM ballot.  Or go to your regular polling place and ask for a provisional ballot.

How do I contact county election officials?

Click HERE for a list.

Will provisional ballots be counted?

Absolutely.  A legitimate provisional ballot is the same as a machine vote.  You have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you believe you are entitled to vote, but your name does not appear on the electronic poll book list of registered voters.   You may also vote with a provisional ballot if you moved within your original county and not registered at your new address or moved to a new county within 30 days of Election Day – but you may not vote if you moved from another county or another state 31 days before.  Remember that the number one cause of provisional ballots is a vote-by-mail ballot already sent to you.  Don’t worry if you can’t locate it; you may use a provisional ballot.  Just don’t vote twice.

If my provisional ballot is rejected, how will I know?

Election officials are required to send you a notification letter, but that won’t be sent out until the results are certified.  In an abundance of caution, call your county Board of Elections and find out if your ballot was counted.

What’s the Hail Mary move if I get turned away from the polls?

Voters should not readily accept being turned away.  Ask to speak to the person in charge, known as the Super Poll Worker, the individual who is most fluent in ways that can help you vote.

Here are three things to know:

1. You have a right to ask for and cast a provisional ballot.  Don’t let anyone say you can’t.  Then fight against your own disenfranchisement this week when things are less hectic
2. If you are not allowed to vote or feel incorrectly pushed to vote on a provisional ballot when you’re entitled to vote on the machine, you can present your case to a Superior Court Judge to determine your eligibility to vote.  Judges will be on call for each of the nine days of early voting; hearings are done remotely, and you can attend a hearing via Zoom from your phone at a polling location.
3. Ask about the Presidential Ballot Law of 1964 (N.J.S.A. 19:58-1), which may allow registered voters who moved to a different county to cast a ballot only for the presidential election.  Remember, lots of deputy attorneys general and judges have never heard of this.

Who can help me?

If you intend to appear before an election judge, call the ACLU Voter Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) or contact your county election officials.  Click HERE for a list.

Will I need to show ID?

If you are a first-time voter and registered by mail, you will be asked to show identification at the polls.  If you don’t bring an acceptable form of ID, you may vote by provisional ballot and then get your ID to your county election office within 48 hours to have your vote counted.

May I request a disability accommodation?

Yes.  If you have a disability, a friend or family member can help you, as long as it’s not Craig Callaway.  A poll worker must offer a reasonable accommodation.  If they don’t, you may file a complaint with the Division of Civil Rights, either online or by calling the NJBIAS Hotline at 1-833-NJDCR4U (1-833-653-2748).

What if I changed my name?

If you have changed your name since registering to vote, you have the right to vote under your original name.

What if someone threatens me?

As a New Jersey voter, you have a right to vote without intimidation, threats, coercion, or interference.  Anyone who believes their vote has been interfered with or seeks to report voting-related issues can call the New Jersey Voter Information and Assistance line at 877-NJVOTER.  You may also contact the American Civil Liberties Union hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.  Click HERE to read the Attorney General’s guidance on the role of law enforcement in election activities.

How do I know my vote was counted?

If you’re uncertain if your vote was counted, ask a poll worker for help. If a voting machine malfunctions, ask for a paper ballot.  That counts the same.

Can people from campaigns approach me at the polls?

It’s illegal to solicit or electioneer voters within a “protective zone” as voters enter or exit a polling location.  The “protective zone” extends 100 feet from the outside entrance of any polling site.  Report any attempts to interfere with voters within this zone to local law enforcement.

Am I allowed to wear a campaign hear to the polls?

No.  New Jersey has a law that prohibits anyone from wearing anything that advocates for a candidate, slogan, or issue.

May I bring my kids into the voting booth with me?

Yes.

Is voting safe and secure in New Jersey?

Yes, very much so.