New Jersey Absentee Voter Guide

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

Mail-In Deadlines

General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2008 

Voter Registration

To register to vote in New Jersey you must:

• be a citizen of the United States
• be at least 18 years of age by the time of the next election
• be a resident of this State and county at your address at least 30 days before the next election
• not be serving a sentence or on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States

How to 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.

ID requirements for first-time voters:

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.

Voter registration verification:

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. 

Absentee Voting

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

How to apply for an 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.  

ID requirements for absentee voters:

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.

Emergency absentee ballots:

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.  You can also contact the NJ Division of Elections (the number is below).

Permanent absentee status:

If you are completely and totally disabled, you can use the New Jersey Absentee Ballot Application to put yourself on the permanent absentee list.  Once you're approved, the State of New Jersey will mail you an absentee ballot for every election in the calendar year.

If you are not permanently and totally disabled, you can use the New Jersey Absentee Ballot Application to put yourself on the permanent absentee list for general elections only.   Once approved, New Jersey will automatically send you an absentee ballot for every general election.

Absentee ballot instructions:

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.

Can you change your 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.

State Contact Information