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  • Marvina T.

3 Ways to Vote in Essex County


several people at the voting booth voting on election day
Voters at the voting booth

Voting is your Constitutional right as an American citizen. To cast your vote, you no longer need

to stand in long lines or get to the polls right when they open. In fact, you have a few different options at your disposal.


Whether you are 18 and getting ready to vote for the first time or entering your 30th year of voting, it’s important to understand your voting options. Below, we’ll explore the 3 Ways to Vote in Essex County. including the coverage of some frequently asked questions.


Option #1: By Mail


Voting by mail has become an increasingly popular option in recent years. Whether you are planning to be out of town on Election Day, unable to make it to the polling location, or simply prefer to vote from the comfort of your home, Essex County offers its residents the option of voting by mail.


Here's what you need to do:


Step #1: Apply for a Mail-In Ballot


Apply for a mail-in ballot seven days prior to the election date. Voters can also apply at the

Essex Clerk's Office on any day up to 3:00 pm the day before Election Day. Authorized

messengers can visit the Essex Clerk’s Office on your behalf.


Step #2: Fill Out a Vote by Mail Application


Fill out your Vote by Mail Application and send the completed application to PO Box 690,

Newark, NJ 07102-0690, or drop the application off at the Essex Clerk’s Office. The Essex

County Clerk’s Office does not accept faxed or emailed copies of the Vote by Mail Application

unless you are an overseas voter. This makes it important to submit your application well before

the deadline.


Step #3: Receive and Complete Ballot by Election Day


Once approved, your ballot will be sent to you by mail for you to fill out. Make sure to submit

your mail-in ballot to the Essex Clerk's Office before the polls close on Election Day. Voters

can either drop off the completed ballot or mail it back with a postmarked date on or before

Election Day.


Option #2: In-Person Early Voting


Making it to the polls on Election Day can be difficult. This makes in-person early voting a great

option. Stop in at one of the early voting locations between May 29, 2024 and June 2, 2024 to

cast your ballot.

If you have a disability or need additional assistance, accommodations will be provided.


Option #3: Election Day Polling Place


One of the most common voting methods is on Election Day at polling locations. When voting

on Election Day, knowing your polling location to go to is important. To find your polling

location, look at your sample ballot or visit the NJ Division of Elections website.


Summary

With the convenience of in-person early voting and mail-in options, voting has never been

easier. Ready to get started with a Vote by Mail Application? Click here!

Do you know where your early poll locations are? Check out this website.

Looking for information about upcoming elections? Visit this link or contact the Essex Board

of Elections for inquiries.


FAQs

What is Vote by Mail?

Vote by Mail has replaced Absentee Voting in New Jersey. This voting method allows you to

vote without physically going to the polls on Election Day.


What happens if my Vote by Mail ballot is lost?


If your Vote by Mail ballot is lost or damaged, you can request a duplicate from the Essex

County Clerk’s Office via mail or email.


Do I have to pay for postage to Vote by Mail?


No, your postage will be paid for.


Do I have to re-apply for Vote by Mail each year?


Voters have the option to receive a ballot for a single election or all elections going forward.


What requirements are needed to register to vote?

To vote, you must be a United States Citizen, at least 18 years old by the next election, and a

resident of your home county for 30 days before the election.

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