Jersey Voters Don’t Need Photo ID

COURT HOUSE — Voters’ concerns are circulating that erroneously believe they will be required to show photo identification in order to cast a ballot Tue., Nov. 6.
“That is not the case in New Jersey,” stated County Clerk Rita Fulginiti. While neighboring Pennsylvania has implemented that requirement, and many locals listen to Philadelphia television news stations, Garden State voters do not face the same mandate.
“New Jersey does not have any requirements to show (photo) ID at the polls,” confirmed Registrar Michael Kennedy at the Cape May County Board of Elections.
There is one exception, he noted. “If we have received your voter’s application and there is no signature, the poll books will show that identification is required before you can vote.”
Poll workers will check a voter’s signature when they sign the poll book to ensure that the voter is the correct person casting a ballot.
Below is a copy of voter registration questions provided by Kennedy:
Who Can Register?
To register in New Jersey you must be:
A United States citizen
At least 18 years old by the next election
A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
You are not eligible to register to vote if:
You are serving a sentence or on parole or probation, as a result of a
conviction of an indictable offense under state or federal law.
Note: If you are no longer serving a sentence, or no longer on parole or
probation…,
you CAN vote in N.J. by completing a new voter registration form.
You only lose your right to vote while on parole, probation or serving a
sentence due to a conviction for an indictable offense under any federal
or state laws.
If you were registered to vote before you were convicted, you must
complete a new voter registration form once you have served your time.
If you are a pre-trial detainee or on bail pending appeal, you do not
lose your right to vote.
If you have any questions, please contact your county commissioner of
registration.
Where To Register
Registration Application Forms are available from the Division of
Elections, the Commissioners of Registration office in the County where
you live or from your Municipal Clerk.
Registration forms are also available at Division of Motor Vehicle
offices. You can also register to vote at the same time you are applying
for assistance or service at the following agencies:
N.J. Medical Assistance & Health Services Program
WIC (Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infant & Children)
Work First NJ Programs
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Office of Disability Services – Department of Human Services – Public
Offices
Armed Forces of the United States Recruitment Offices
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services – Department of Labor
Commission of the Blind & Visually Impaired
County Welfare Agency or County Board of Social Services
You can also print a registration application and after entering
required data, mail it to the Commissioners of Registration office in
the county where you reside. In addition, this form can be used for name
and address changes.
The Commissioners of Registration cannot accept faxed copies or an
electronic transmission of a voter registration form since an original
signature is required.
Voter Registration and Voting for College Students
College students register to vote in New Jersey by following the
standard application process: every prospective voter must submit a
voter registration application.
You can register to vote if:
You are a United States citizen
You will be 18 years of age by the next election
You will be a resident of the State and county 30 days before the
election
You are NOT currently serving a sentence, probation or parole because of
a felony conviction
If you are in college, you have the option to register from your college
address or your parent’s address. There are good reasons for registering
and voting at either residence, but keep in mind, the final choice is
yours.
The registration deadline to vote is 21 days prior to Election Day
You will receive a sample ballot about 1 week before the election that
will indicate where your polling place is or you can use our polling
place locator.
Contact Campbell at (609) 886-8600 Ext 28 or at: al.c@cmcherald.com