How to Vote in New Jersey’s 2022 Elections

En español | New Jersey’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for the U.S. House of Representatives and other local offices. The state’s primary was June 7.

Essential info:

• Mail voting: All registered voters can request a no-excuse vote-by-mail ballot and vote from home.

• Early in-person voting: You can vote early and in person at an early voting site starting Oct. 29. Early in-person voting was introduced in New Jersey in 2021.  

• In-person voting on Election Day: The state’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

What's new this year?

The state’s redistricting plan for redrawing U.S. congressional boundaries has been approved and may affect which candidates appear on your ballot.

What races are on the ballot?

• U.S. House: 12 seats
• The state held its big statewide election in 2021, though several local offices are on the ballot.

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Use the state’s voter information portal to register online. Include your date of birth and current New Jersey driver’s license or state ID number. If you do not have a driver’s license or ID issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, include the last four digits of your Social Security number and your signature. The deadline to register is Oct. 18.

• By mail: Print and complete a voter registration form specific to your county and mail it to your county’s election officials. Pre-addressed envelopes with prepaid postage are included. Forms must be received by Oct. 18.
  

• In person: Go to your county elections office by Oct. 18 to register to vote.

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

How can I get a vote-by-mail ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Any registered voter can request a no-excuse vote-by-mail ballot and vote from home in November’s general election. You can apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by mail or in person. 

• By mail: Download, print and complete your county’s vote-by-mail application and mail it to your county clerk with proper postage. Or contact your clerk and ask that an application be mailed to you. Applications must be received by Nov. 1.

• In person: Pick up and complete an application at your county clerk’s office. Or drop off a completed application that you printed from the division of election’s website. The deadline to return a ballot request in person is Nov. 7 at 3 p.m.
  

You also may request that an authorized messenger pick up your vote-by-mail ballot. Include the authorized messenger’s name at the bottom of your application. The authorized messenger must either be a family member or a registered voter in your county. No one can be an authorized messenger for more than three voters per election unless they’re immediate family living in one household.

To return your completed ballot, fill out and sign the certificate. Make sure it remains attached to the inner envelope. Place your ballot inside the inner envelope, then insert the inner envelope into your mailing envelope. Some county elections officials may require postage on your mailing envelope. Contact your county clerk for more information.

You can return your mail-in ballot by mail or in person:

• By mail: Mail your ballot to your county board of elections office. Your general election ballot must be postmarked by Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. and received by Nov. 14.

• In person: Return your ballot to your county board of elections office or in an official election drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Another person, called a bearer, may return your vote-by-mail ballot if they have your permission and sign the certification on your ballot’s return envelope.

Note that a vote-by-mail ballot cannot be returned to your polling place — you must submit it to your county board of elections office or an official drop box. Track the status of your ballot through the Track My Ballot portal.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes, you can vote at early voting locations starting Oct. 29. Hours may vary. Use the state's voter information portal to find your county's early voting sites.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m, and you’ll be able to vote as long as you’re in line before polls close. Use the state's voter information portal to find a polling place near you.

Do I need identification to vote?

Most voters won’t need identification to vote in person. If your voter information cannot be verified, you may be asked to show ID at the polls or provide a copy of your ID to vote by mail. 

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

Acceptable forms of ID include your New Jersey’s driver’s license, a U.S. military ID or student ID. You also may provide another document proving your name and address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.

Editor’s note: This guide, originally published on Aug. 14, was updated on June 8 with information about how to vote in the general election.

Also of Interest

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections  
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at aarp.org/nj