VOTER REGISTRATION

Party Affiliation

• You do not have to affiliate with a party when registering to vote. If you do not choose a party, you will be classified as “UNAFFILIATED.”

• In order to vote in a Primary Election, you must declare the party you wish to vote in. If you are “UNAFFILIATED,” you may declare your party either by filling out a State of New Jersey Political Party Declaration Form and submitting it to the Somerset County Board of Elections 55 days before the election or simply by declaring your party at the polls on the day of the election.

• If you have declared a party and wish to change that affiliation, you must submit a State of New Jersey Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form 55 days before the Primary Election.

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Mail-In Ballot Voting

• As of 2018, voters may choose to receive a Mail-In Ballot for all future elections (including primary and special elections) by filling out one application.  If voters choose this option, they will automatically receive ballots without further action until they choose to opt-out. 

• You may now vote by Mail-in Ballot for any election. You do not need a reason.

• You must apply for a Mail-in Ballot by completing a Mail-in Ballot Application. You must mail this to the County Clerk’s Office up to 7 days before the election. The County Clerk cannot accept faxed copies or electronic submissions, as an original signature is required. You may apply in person at the County Clerk’s office up to 3:00 PM on the day before the election.

• Once your ballot is voted and sealed, it must be returned to the Somerset County Board of Elections by 8:00 PM on the day of the election.

• If you have applied for a Mail-in Ballot and have decided not to vote it and instead vote at the polls, you may now do so. However, you must vote by provisional ballot.

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Voter Information Changes

• If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or by a court judgment, you may notify the Somerset County Board of Elections in a written statement with an original signature at least 21 days before the election. If you do not notify the Board of Elections at least 21 days before the election, you will be permitted to vote at the polls under your original registration by signing both your registered name and your new name before voting.

• If you move within Somerset County and do not notify the Somerset County Board of Elections at least 21 days before the election, you will be permitted to vote in your new district by provisional ballot.

• If you move out of Somerset County after the close of the registration date and are not eligible to vote in your new county, you may return to your previous voting district to vote. You must then register to vote in your new county.

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Voter Assistance

• Any blind, physically disabled, or illiterate voter is entitled to assistance in the voting machine. The person assisting may be someone of the voters' choosing. These voters are now able to request to use Audio Voting Process.

• Two board members of opposite political parties may assist if the voter is alone. The voter has the right to have both or only one of these board workers assisting them. It is the voter’s choice.

• You may not accept assistance from a representative of your employer or union for federal elections.

• Any person providing assistance must sign the “Certificate of Assistance” in front of the Voter Registration Book” before entering the voting booth.

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