Vote Remote: Your Guide to New Jersey Voter Registration and Vote-by-Mail

Almost every aspect of our lives has changed in the wake of COVID-19, and voting is no different. Whether you have been civically engaged for years or you’re a first time voter, this is a difficult time to navigate an election.

To make things easier, we have compiled information on voter registration and election participation in New Jersey for the 2020 election.

Much of the information in this guide comes from the websites Vote.gov, a voter’s guide from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, and Vote.org, a non-profit, non-partisan voting registration and get out the vote technology platform.

Please note that recent delays with the United States Postal Service may affect your vote. The USPS currently suggests that election mail be sent at least two weeks in advance of deadlines in order to ensure timely delivery.

Step 1: Register

If you are a U.S. citizen who will be 18 by November 3, you are most likely eligible to vote. Not sure if you’re already registered? You can verify your voter registration online here.

If you were formerly incarcerated for a felony, but you are no longer incarcerated or on probation, New Jersey has recently restored your right to vote. You can apply to restore your vote by submitting a new voter registration application!

You can register to vote through the Office of the Bergen County Superintendent of Elections. A mail-in voter registration application can be found here. This form can also be used to update your name, address, or other details on an existing registration.

For the first time ever, New Jersey is offering online voter registration this year! Just visit this website to fill out your voter registration application.

The deadline to register to vote in New Jersey is 21 days before election, so voter registration forms must be received (not postmarked) by October 13. However, since mail-in ballots will be sent out automatically to all active voters by Monday, October 5, it is recommended that you complete your voter registration as soon as possible.

Step 2: Vote!

You can complete your vote one of three ways in this November’s election: in person, at a secure drop box, or by mail. Every active New Jersey voter will receive a ballot by mail in this November’s election.

If you would like to drop off your ballot in person, fill out the ballot as directed and find your polling location and hours here to drop off on November 3.

Please note that, unless you have a disability that prevents you from completing the mail-in ballot, you should drop off the mail-in ballot you received. Any in-person ballot submitted by someone without a qualifying disability will be provisional.

Please follow all reopening guidelines for social distancing and mask-wearing when visiting your polling place.

It is highly recommended that you use a secure voter drop box to return your ballot, as this does not require any time in transit with the USPS and requires no in-person contact. Secure drop boxes will be dispersed throughout the state at convenient locations. Please contact your local election officials for drop box locations.

If you are voting by mail, simply fill out your ballot as directed and return by mail. If your mail-in ballot requires additional postage, it should be labelled in the top right corner of the return envelope.

Your mail-in ballot must be postmarked by November 3, and must be received no later than 8:00 PM on November 10. With the extra two weeks to account for USPS delays this means your ballot should be mailed by October 20. Ballots without postmarks that are received by November 5 at 8:00 PM will also be valid.

Please note that if you completed your registration by mail or online, or if you are a first-time voter, you will need to enclose a copy of your ID with your ballot. If you registered to vote at the DMV or have voted in previous elections, you do not need to enclose any ID.

It is also highly recommended that you submit your vote as soon as possible to ensure it is received by the proper date.

Step 3: Protect Your Vote

If you are worried about missing deadlines, you can sign up for Election Reminders with Vote.org, or check back in on our social media for regular updates.

If you think your right to vote is being obstructed, you can read this Election Protection guide from Vote.org as well, or call the Election Protection hotline.

Want to ensure that your vote is being counted? You can sign up to track your ballot online with New Jersey Voter Services and be informed when your vote has been counted.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us or the Bergen County Election Divisions for more information.