New Jersey

Registering to Vote

How do I register to vote for the first time?

You can register to vote in New Jersey by using one of the following methods:

• Online: Register to vote by completing the application on the New Jersey Department of State website.
• By mail: You may get a paper voter registration form by printing one out from the New Jersey Department of State website or picking up a paper form at your local elections office. Once you’ve filled out the form, you’ll need to print it, sign it, and mail it.
• In person: Visit an office where elections are administered in your area and register there in person. You must register 21 days before the election.

The statewide application is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese, Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

You can also register to vote on BallotReady.org.

How do I update or change my voter registration?

The process of changing your voter registration is similar to registering to vote for the first time. You can update your voter registration online, by mail, or in-person. You can also use BallotReady.org to check your voter registration status. 

Remember that the deadline to change your voter registration is 21 days before the election.

What ID do I need to register to vote?

The identification that you need to register to vote in New Jersey varies based on the method of registration: 

Registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your NJ Driver's License Number or Non-driver ID Number. If you have not been issued a NJ Driver's License or MVC Non-Driver ID, then you may provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. If you also don't have a social security number then you will need to affirm on the application that you have never been issued any of these documents

Registering to vote by mail

The last four digits of your Social Security number OR your New Jersey Driver's License number is required for voter registration. If you do not possess either of these identifications, please write 'NONE' on the form. The State will assign a number that will serve to identify you for voter registration purposes. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: a current and valid photo identification or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address. You may be exempt from this requirement if you submit a COPY of this identification with your mail in voter registration form.

Registering to vote online

You will need your date of birth and one of the following forms of identification: A current and valid Driver’s License or a non-driver Identification Card (ID card) issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Your information will be provided to the MVC to validate identification, and to retrieve a copy of your digitized signature. -or- A Social Security number. To use your social security number, you must have the ability to sign on-screen or upload your signature to complete the registration process. If you are unable to provide a digital signature, you will not be able to register online.

If you’re under the age of 18, you may still be eligible to register to vote! If you can pre-register, you’ll need the following documents:

Pre-registering to vote in an election office 

Be prepared to provide your NJ Driver's License Number or Non-driver ID Number. If you have not been issued a NJ Driver's License or MVC Non-Driver ID, then you may provide the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. If you also don't have a social security number then you will need to affirm on the application that you have never been issued any of these documents

Pre-registering to vote online

You will need your date of birth and one of the following forms of identification: A current and valid Driver’s License or a non-driver Identification Card (ID card) issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Your information will be provided to the MVC to validate identification, and to retrieve a copy of your digitized signature. -or- A Social Security number. To use your social security number, you must have the ability to sign on-screen or upload your signature to complete the registration process. If you are unable to provide a digital signature, you will not be able to register online.

For more information on voting requirements for your state, make a plan to vote on BallotReady.org. 

How do I check my voter registration?

Residents of New Jersey can check their voter registration status through the following methods:

• Online: Visit New Jersey’s voter registration page on their Secretary of State website. 
• Election authority: For specific questions, you may be able to contact your local elections office, courthouse, or county elections office for more information on your voter registration status.

You can also check your voter registration on BallotReady.org. 

What is the deadline for registering to vote?

In New Jersey, you need to be registered to vote at least 21 days before an election to be eligible to cast a ballot. 

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• Received in-person by: {{ deadline_voter_registration_in_person }}
• Submitted online by: {{ deadline_online_voter_registration }}

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

No, New Jersey does not have same-day voter registration. This means you cannot register to vote on Election Day. You must register at least 21 days before an election in order to vote.

Who is eligible to register to vote?

New Jersey residents that fit the following criteria are eligible to register to vote:

• Be a United States citizen
• Be a New Jersey resident
• At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18
• A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States

In New Jersey, you can register to vote, even if you’re under the age of 18! Future voters who are 17 may pre-register to vote. They will be eligible to vote for the first election after they turn 18. 

Do I have to choose a political party when registering to vote?

New Jersey gives voters the option to choose a political party when registering to vote. It is not required to register, but choosing “no party preference” could limit your ability to participate in presidential primary elections and caucuses.