New Jersey Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Absentee voting basics

Important deadlines

• Voter registration form: received at least 29 days before the election
• Absentee ballot application: received by the Tuesday before the election (by mail); by 3PM on the day before the election (in person)
• Voted absentee ballot: received by 8pm on Election Day

Absentee voting rules

Good news! Any registered voter may vote by absentee ballot. 

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget. Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also use the New Jersey's voter registration form.  Fill out the form and mail it to the New Jersey Division of Elections.  The address is on the form.

Verify your voter registration

You should receive written confirmation that your voter registration was processed in 2-3 weeks.  Don't panic if you never receive your voter registration card: you don't actually need it to vote.  If you not sure if your registration was processed - or if you simply can't remember if you're register to vote - you can use the voter registration verification tools here. 

Apply for your absentee ballot

Download and complete the New Jersey Absentee Ballot Application.  Mail your completed application to your County Clerk.   You may apply for an absentee ballot by mail up until the 7th day before an election.  You can also apply in person to your County Clerk up until 3 pm the day before an election.  

Your absentee ballot will be mailed to you on or after the 40th day prior to an election.  

Receive, complete and return your voted absentee ballot

Your ballot will be mailed to you along with instructions and a return envelope.  Fill it out and put your voted ballot in the return envelope.  Sign where indicated.  You must also have the envelope signed by a witness or a notary public.  Mail your completed ballot back to your County Clerk.  Your ballot must be received by 8pm on Election Day.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote?

You must include your New Jersey driver's license number or your non-driver ID number on your voter registration form.  If you don't have either of these numbers, you must include a copy of your ID with your form.  If you forget, you'll need to provide ID the first time you vote in person or by absentee ballot.   Acceptable forms of ID include: a driver's license or other photo identification that shows your name OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and New Jersey address.

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot?

You don't need to provide ID if you've already voted in New Jersey at least once.  If you're voting for the first time in New Jersey, and you did not include an identifying number (such as your driver's license number or your SSN on your voter registration form), then you must include a a COPY of one of the following with your application: a driver's license or other photo identification that shows your name OR a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and New Jersey address.

I missed the absentee ballot application deadline.  Is there anything I can do?

Absentee Ballots are available on election day, under emergency circumstances. Usually, if a voter becomes ill on election day or the night before, an authorized messenger can obtain an absentee ballot by court order.  Contact your County Clerk if you have questions about emergency absentee ballots. 

Can I vote by absentee ballot on a permanent basis?

You can use the New Jersey Absentee Ballot Application to put yourself on a permanent absentee voter list.  You can request all elections in the current calendar year, all future November general elections, or both.  (The general elections take place in even number years - 2010, 2012, etc - and include the presidential and congressional elections.) It's best to submit a new application every January to ensure that you'll receive an absentee ballot for all elections in which you are eligible to vote.    

I've already received by absentee ballot.  Can I change my mind and vote in person?

No. Once you apply for an absentee ballot, you must vote by absentee ballot. You cannot change your mind and vote in person.

Additional Information