COMPILED BY JAIMIE JULIA WINTERS

With the Nov. 3 election fast approaching, active registered voters have begun receiving ballots. If you are not registered to vote, the last day to do so is Oct. 13. 

  1. To register to vote go to https://voter.svrs.nj.gov/register, where you can register online or print out an application that will have to be received by the county clerk by Oct. 13. You will need your Social Security number or a valid driver’s license or state ID issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Your information will be provided to the MVC to validate identification, and to retrieve a copy of your digitized signature.
  2. Check to see if you are already registered. Visit voter.svrs.nj.gov/registration-check and put in your name and date of birth. It will tell you immediately if you are registered and where and if you are active. 
  3. Active registered voters in New Jersey have begun receiving their ballots in the mail, at the address where the voter is registered.
  4. If you are inactive, you will have to request a ballot through the Essex County Board of Elections.
  5. If you do not receive your ballot by Oct. 12, call the Board of Elections at 973-621-5061.

GET IT COUNTED

Most residents will vote through the mail, but they can still vote in person. And for the November election, you can also drop off mail-in ballots at polling places that are open. Voters who want to vote in person should call the township clerk to see where they should vote, as most polling places will be closed. 

  1. To fill out the mail-in ballot properly, use the specified type of pen or pencil, choose the candidates, and place the ballot in the envelope with the certification flap. Do not tear or damage the flap; fill it out and sign it. If you tear or make a mistake on the certification flap, call the Board of Elections to request a new one.
  2.  Place that envelope in the postage-free envelope and fill out the back of the envelope on the chain of custody on the ballot. Even if a spouse carries the ballot to the mailbox that must be stated on the back. 
  3. Due to mail delay and the volume of ballots that will need processing, get your ballot mailed as soon as possible. It must be postmarked on or before Nov. 3 and be received by the Board of Elections on or before Nov. 10.
  4. You can also place your ballot in the secure ballot drop box located outside Montclair town hall by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3.
  5. For the November election, you can bring your ballot to your polling place by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Only you, the voter, can bring your ballot to your polling place on Election Day.
  6. You can also drop it off at the Board of Elections office at 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Fourth Floor, Room 411, Newark. You must deliver it by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3
  7. Voters should be notified if their vote was rejected, but voters can also check the status of their ballot by calling 877-658-6837. Only voters with ballots rejected due to signatures will have the opportunity to fix the problem. 
  8. Track your ballot at nj.gov/state/elections/vote-track-my-ballot.shtml.

CLICK HERE TO SEE A VIDEO ON HOW TO VOTE.

Jaimie is an award-winning journalist and editor.