State Voters Can Now Vote by Mail

TRENTON — New Jersey registered voters now have more options to vote by mail as an alternative to voting at a polling place on election days. Since 2005, most voters have had the option to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot for each election. In June, Gov. Jon S. Corzine signed the “Vote by Mail” law that now allows all voters to request a mail-in ballot for an upcoming election, and receive mail-in ballots automatically for additional future elections with one application.
“Busy work and commuting schedules, family responsibilities and classroom demands for college students away at school can make it challenging for voters to get to their polling place on election day,” said Secretary Nina Mitchell Wells. “We are pleased to now offer a range of convenient alternatives for citizens to use mail in ballots to exercise their most fundamental right as Americans.”
Secretary Wells also noted that, under New Jersey law, registered voters do not need to be out of state on election day to vote by mail-in ballot, and do not need to provide a reason for requesting one.
Registered voters in New Jersey interested in voting by mail-in ballot can visit the Division of Elections’ website (www.njelections.org) to print out an application in English or Spanish.
On the application, voters will select the upcoming election they wish to vote by mail.
In addition, there are two options to receive future mail-in ballots automatically. By selecting Option A, the voter will automatically receive mail-in ballots for all elections for the remainder of the calendar year. Voters choosing Option A must renew their request each calendar year to continue to receive mail-in ballots automatically.
By selecting Option B, the voter will automatically receive a mail-in ballot for all future November General Elections. Voters may choose either Option A or B, both options, or neither of the options to receive future mail-in ballots automatically.
Once completed and signed, the application can be mailed to the County Clerk. The mailed application must be received by the County Clerk no later than seven days prior to election day. A registered voter may complete an application in person at the office of the County Clerk until 3:00 p.m. the day before the election.
The County Clerk cannot accept faxed or emailed copies of a Mail-In Ballot Application, with the exception of Military or Overseas Voters, since an original signature is required. A list of County Clerk addresses statewide is available on the Division’s website.
To learn more about the diverse array of services and programs offered by the Department of State, visit www.state.nj.us/state.