How to Vote in New Jersey's 2024 Elections

Posted on 03/11/24 by Elissa Chudwin

En español

Important dates and election information

Key dates

  • Primary election: Tuesday, June 4
  • General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5

Voting at a glance

  • Voting at the polls: Most voters won’t be asked to show their ID, unless their information cannot be verified. If that’s the case, you may be asked to show identification, such as a New Jersey driver’s license or U.S. military ID, at the polls.

Voting in New Jersey

What to know about recent changes

Laws passed in 2022 may affect how you vote in the 2024 elections in several ways, including that registered voters must declare a political party to vote by mail in a primary. 

Voter registration

Register online, by mail or in person:

  • Online: Use the state’s voter information portal to register. Include your date of birth and current New Jersey driver’s license or state-issued identification number. If you do not have a state-issued driver’s license or ID, include the last four digits of your Social Security number and your signature.
  • In person: Register at your county commissioner of registration or superintendent of elections office.

The registration deadline is Tuesday, May 14, for the primary election.

Check if you are registered to vote through the New Jersey Division of Elections voter search tool.

Same-day registration

New Jersey does not offer same-day registration for voters.

Primary voting and party affiliation

You must vote the ballot of the party of which you’re affiliated. Unaffiliated voters (who haven’t declared a party) can choose a party at their polling place.

Unaffiliated voters must declare a party by Wednesday, April 10, to vote by mail in the primary. Otherwise, they will receive information about affiliating with a party and voting in person on Election Day.

Ways to vote

Requesting a mail ballot 

Any registered voter can request a vote-by-mail ballot.

  • By mail: Download, print and complete your county’s vote-by-mail application. Mail it to your county clerk with proper postage. Or contact your clerk and request an application be mailed to you. Applications must be received by Tuesday, May 28.
  • In person: Pick up, complete and return an application at your county clerk’s office. It must be received by 3 p.m. on Monday, June 3.
  • By authorized messenger: If you’re unable to pick up your vote-by-mail ballot, you may request that an authorized messenger do so. This person can be a family member or a registered voter in your county. You must fill out Section 11 of your application, and their name must be included at the bottom of the form.

Returning a mail ballot 

Your vote-by-mail ballot includes the ballot itself, an inner envelope with a certificate and a mailing envelope. Complete and sign the certificate, which must remain attached to your inner envelope. After you’ve put your ballot inside, insert your inner envelope into your mailing envelope.

Return your ballot:

  • By mail: Mail your ballot to your county board of elections office. Most counties do not offer prepaid postage, so you’ll need to add your own. It must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, June 4) and received by Monday, June 10. 
  • In person: Bring your ballot to your board of elections office or an official drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Another person, called a bearer, may return your vote-by-mail ballot for you. They must have your permission and sign the certification on the mailing envelope in your presence.

A vote-by-mail ballot cannot be returned to your polling place. Track the status of your ballot through the Track My Ballot portal.

Voting in person before Election Day

New Jersey offers early in-person voting from Wednesday, May 29, through Sunday, June 2. Hours may vary, but each location must be open from at least 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Find more information at the secretary of state’s website.

Voting at the polls on Election Day Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line before the polls close, you’ll still be allowed to vote. Find your polling place at the secretary of state’s website.

Voter ID requirements on Election Day       

Most voters won’t be asked to show their ID, unless their information cannot be verified. If that’s the case, you may be asked to show identification, such as a New Jersey driver’s license or U.S. military ID, at the polls. 

Without an ID, you may be able to cast a provisional paper ballot.

Voting with a disability

New Jersey offers assistance to voters who cannot use paper ballots, including an accessible vote-by-mail ballot. Contact your county clerk’s office for more information.

The state also offers technology at polling places to assist voters with disabilities, including an audio version of the ballot.

Voters who need assistance filling in their ballot can receive help from either an election official or someone they choose, as long as that person is not an employer or union official.

More information about candidates 

Key races:

  • U.S. President
  • U.S. House: 12 seats
  • U.S. Senate: one seat

Editor’s note: This guide was published on Jan. 30, 2024, and has been updated with new information.

Elissa Chudwin covers federal and state policy and writes the podcast Today’s Tips from AARP. She previously worked as a digital producer for The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa, California, and an editor for the Advocate magazines in Dallas.

Also of Interest:

This story is provided by AARP New Jersey. Visit the AARP New Jersey page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide

Upcoming AARP Events

View All AARP Events

image of two AARP membership cards
Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal
  • Immediate access to your member benefits
  • Discounts on travel and everyday savings
  • Subscription to AARP The Magazine
  • FREE second membership
Join AARP
Already a member? Renew or Print Card

Contact AARP
New Jersey