New Jersey election is representing a new experience for state voters this fall. On the ballot, they will find the gubernatorial race and all 120 seats in the state Legislature, and two statewide referendums on gambling, in addition to the various local races.
The Garden State is now the 25th state to offer in-person early voting on weekends. Ariel Alvarez, an associate professor of political science and law at Montclair State University, said this was designed to combat voter suppression.
“This is more beneficial to people that have trouble voting on Election Day,” Alvarez said. “This will help folks that were unlikely to get to the polls, so it is an element to combat suppression,” Alvarez said.
At stake is not only Democratic incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy facing a reelection challenge from Republican Jack Ciattarelli, but all 120 seats in the Legislature ,the Assembly and state Senate, are up for grabs.
According to WHYY, in South Jersey, all eyes will be on two state senate seats. In the second district, which covers Atlantic County, it’s a battle of the Vinces. Democratic Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo and former Republican Assemblyman Vince Polistina are running for the “technically open” senate seat vacated when Sen. Chris Brown stepped down to join the Murphy administration as an advisor on issues concerning Atlantic City.
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In the eighth district, which covers parts of Atlantic, Burlington, and Camden counties, State Sen. Dawn Marie Addiego is seeking re-election, this time as a Democrat. Hoping to get one back for the Republicans is Addiego’s colleague, Assemblywoman Jean Stanfield.
In Central Jersey, there’s another open senate seat in the 16th district. That district covers Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset counties. Democratic Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and former Republican Congressman Mike Pappas are battling for the seat being vacated by Christopher “Kip” Bateman.
There are also two statewide ballot questions.
Question one asks whether wagering on all college sports should be allowed. Currently, bets on college athletic events that take place in New Jersey or on a competition involving a college from the state are prohibited.
https://t.co/zLQu7O8lvD is a one-stop-shop for your voting needs! Check your registration status, learn about early voting, track your vote-by-mail ballot, find polling locations and more. #NJVotes pic.twitter.com/DQh4SZFYHM
— New Jersey Division of Elections (@NJ_Votes) October 18, 2021
Question two, if approved, would allow more organizations to use proceeds from “games of chance,” like bingo or raffles to support their groups.
As published by the official site of the state, here are the 3 ways you can vote in the 2021 New Jersey election.
Vote by Mail Ballot
Registered voters can apply for a vote-by-mail ballot by following the instructions found at VOTE.NJ.GOV or contacting their County Clerk. Then, vote and return your ballot one of the following ways:
Mail: Your vote-by-mail ballot must be postmarked on or before 8:00 p.m. November 2 and be received by your county’s Board of Elections on or before November 8.
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Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place your vote-by-mail ballot in one of your county’s secure ballot drop boxes by 8:00 p.m. on November 2. Drop box locations can be found at vote.nj.gov.
Board of Elections Office: Deliver your vote-by-mail ballot in person to your county’s Board of Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on November 2. County Election Officials’ contact information can be found at vote.nj.com.
In-person early voting
Early voting allows voters to use machines at polling places before the day of certain primary and general elections. In the case of New Jersey, residents are able to cast ballots in advance of the formal Election Day on Nov. 2.
Voters can cast their ballots at early voting locations in every county. The process which began Oct. 23 and will go through Oct. 31 gives voters an additional nine days to cast a ballot. Polls are open from at least 10 a.m to 8 p.m on Mondays through Saturdays, and from at least 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. No appointment is necessary.
There are at least three polling locations open in each county. The number of locations depends the number of registered voters in a county. During the early voting period, voters can cast a ballot at any polling place in their county of residence.
At your polling place on election day
Vote in person at your polling place, from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 2. Accommodations will be made for voters with disabilities. Visit VOTE.NJ.GOV for your polling place, listed on the Polling Locations page.
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