What Are My Options to Vote in the Upcoming Election?
Vote in Person
Find your polling location in NJ
Vote By Mail (VBM) & Absentee Ballot in New Jersey
Am I registered?
Confirm your registration status and registration address using the NJ Voter Search Tool
How can I vote if I am a U.S. citizen but living abroad during the election?
Visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website. There are a number of underlying questions to navigate how to obtain an absentee ballot and how to register if you are living abroad and wish to exercise your voting rights in the U.S.
Can I vote in the NJ Primary?
NJ is a "Closed Primary" state. Meaning you must declare affiliation with a political party to vote in the Primary Election for that party to determine which candidate receives the political party's ballot endorsement.
How do I declare Party Affiliation?
You can declare party affiliation by using the forms provided on this website https://www.nj.gov/state/elections/voter-party-affiliation-declaration.shtml
Is there a deadline to declare Party Affiliation so I can vote in the Primary?
Yes & No.
Yes- If you are already affiliated with a Political Party and wish to change party affiliation, this must be done at least 55 days prior to the Primary (April 10th).
No- If you are not currently affiliated with a Political Party, you can declare affiliation up to and including the day of the Primary. (Details can be found on the link provided above with Declaring Party Affiliation.
How do I know what or whom I'm voting for in 2024?
Check out our Election & Voting Resources page to find sample ballots for your address.
What are mistakes people make in completing their mail-in ballot that lead to rejected ballots?
The biggest mistake is not completing the ballot properly by not signing the ballot. Each ballot is unique to the district of the voter. Sample ballots and instructions for completing them can be found on the Elections & Voting Resources page of this guide. Find your county, then select your home town for the sample ballot and instructions. Out-of-state voters should refer to their state's division of elections website for instructions.
What do I do if I requested but do not receive my mail in ballot?
Contact the county clerks office in your home county. There is a process for requesting a second ballot. You should also create your personal voting account on the NJ Voter Portal. This will have information about your voting history and will have information about your current mail in ballot, including when it was created and when it was mailed to you.
Can I vote in person if I want to?
Yes. Polling locations will be open voting booths will be available. COVID-19 Guidelines may be in place at polling locations so please check your polling locations' specific guidelines before going to vote.
Can I vote at a polling location in Wayne or around the WP campus if I can't get home to vote on election day?
NO, voters can only vote in their designated polling location. If you are unable to return to your designated polling location you can request an absentee (Vote By Mail Ballot) to submit your vote without having to visit your polling location
Should I register in my home state or in my college state?
If you go to college out of state, you can register to vote in either your home state or where you attend college, but you cannot be registered in both locations. If you decide to register in your home state, you will need to sign up for an absentee ballot. Absentee ballot regulations vary by state, so be sure to research your state's process. You have the right to vote in any state where you have a temporary or permanent residence.
Does where I register to vote affect my in-state or out-of-state tuition?
No, where you register to vote should not, in most cases, affect your in-state or out-of-state tuition status. Typically, your residency status is determined by multiple factors, including voter registration, motor vehicle registration, driver's license, and state income tax return filing. Where your parents live can also determine your tuition status, if they claim you as a dependent.
Can I register to vote in BOTH my home state and my college state?
NO, you do not have the right to vote in more than one location. In fact, it's a felony -- and considered voter fraud -- to register to vote in multiple locales.
What are the requirements to vote?
The requirements for voting in local and federal elections vary by state, so students should check with their state election office to learn more. However, most states have similar requirements. For example, all states except North Dakota require individuals to register to vote, and every state allows absentee voting.
All voters must be at least 18 years of age, although some states allow 17-year-olds to vote in primary elections if their birthday falls before the general election. All voters must be U.S. citizens.
Use the Rock the Vote state selection tool to learn more about the voting requirements in your state.