Vote by Mail in Essex County, NJ
Why you should vote by mail?
Voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, is a convenient and secure way for residents to cast their ballots without physically going to a polling station. This method is particularly useful for those who may have scheduling conflicts, health issues, or other reasons preventing them from voting in person.
VOTE by mail FAQ
Any registered voter can apply by submitting a Vote-By-Mail application to their County Clerk.Deadline: 7 days before the election (by mail) or by 3 PM the day before (in-person).
Ballots are mailed out 45 days before the election.
Primary Election:
Begins April 19, 2025
General Election:
Begins September 20, 20
Fill out the ballot using blue or black ink.
✅ Sign the certification envelope as required.
✅ Return options:-
By mail (must be postmarked by Election Day).
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Drop Box (secure locations across NJ, by 8 PM on Election Day).
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County Board of Elections (in-person, by 8 PM on Election Day).
❌ Vote-By-Mail ballots CANNOT be returned at polling places.
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No. New Jersey does not require an ID, witness, or notary for Vote-By-Mail ballots.
🚨 Exception: First-time voters may be asked to provide ID if notified.
Contact your County Clerk and request removal from the Vote-By-Mail list.
Yes! College students can register at "Track your ballot "online using the Track My Ballot Portal.
💡 First-time users must create an account using a Voter ID, Driver’s License, or the last four digits of their Social Security Number. Their school or permanent home address, depending on where they plan to vote. Track Your Ballot Here!Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received by the County Board of Elections within 6 days after the election.
Yes, but with restrictions:
A bearer can deliver up to three ballots per election (or five if from the same household).
The bearer must sign the "Bearer Portion" of the envelope and show ID if delivering in person.Request a replacement ballot from your County Clerk.
🗳️ If you go to your polling place on Election Day without returning your mail-in ballot, you will have to vote using a provisional ballot.
dO YOU KNOW HOW TO TRACK YOUR BALLOT?
Track Your Ballot: Quick Guide
Stay informed about your vote-by-mail ballot status using the "Track My Ballot" tool:
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Not Yet Received: Your ballot hasn’t reached your county's Board of Elections yet.
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Received: Your ballot arrived! The county will verify your signature on the security envelope against your voting record. This step ensures authenticity before your ballot is counted.
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Rejected: Ballots are usually rejected due to a missing or mismatched signature. If this happens, your county Board of Elections will contact you via email, phone, or mail to confirm your vote and correct the issue.
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Accepted: Good news—your ballot has been verified and counted!
Important: Ballot status updates may vary by county, so check back regularly.
BENEFITS OF VOTING BY MAIL
1. Convenience: Voting by mail eliminates the need to travel to a polling station, wait in line, or take time off work.
2. Accessibility: It's an excellent option for voters with disabilities, those out of town on Election Day, or anyone with health concerns.
3. Safety: Especially during health crises. Mail-in voting allows citizens to participate in elections without risking their health.
ensuring your vote counts
1. Follow Instructions Carefully: When you receive your mail-in ballot, carefully follow all instructions. This includes signing the certification envelope and sealing your ballot properly. If it's not sealed, it won't be included in the count.
2. Meet Deadlines: Return your ballot as soon as possible to ensure it is received by the county clerk before the deadline. Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within a few days after the election to be counted.
how to return your ballot
1. Mail: It must be postmarked on or before 8:00 p.m. Election Day and be received by your county's Board of Elections on or before 6 days after Election Day.
2. Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place it in one of your county's secure ballot drop boxes by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
View SECURE DROP BOX LOCATIONS ABOVE!
3. Board of Elections Office: Deliver it in person to your county's Board of Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Addresses below:
Superintendent of Elections/Commissioner of Registration
Patricia Spango
Address: Superintendent of Elections, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Suite 103, Newark NJ 07102
973-621-5061
FAX- 973-621-6464
County Cler
Christopher J. Durkin
Address: Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
973-621-4822
FAX-973-621-4919
Website: www.essexclerk.com
Board of Elections
Nicole Amos
Address: 495 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102
Room, 145
Office Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
973-621-5071
FAX- 973-621-2540
Website: www.essexboardofelections.com
How to Apply for a Mail-In Ballot in ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
1. Application Process: In New Jersey, any registered voter can apply for a mail-in ballot. You can request a mail-in ballot by completing an application form, which is available from your county clerk’s office or online on the New Jersey Division of Elections website.
2. Deadlines: The application must be received by the county clerk at least seven days before the election if sent by mail. If applying in person, you can do so up until 3 p.m. the day before the election.
Key Facts About Vote By Mail in Essex County
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High Participation Rates: Essex County has seen a significant increase in mail-in voting, especially during the pandemic. In recent elections, many ballots were cast by mail, indicating strong voter preference for this method.
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Ballot Drop Boxes: Essex County provides several secure ballot drop boxes throughout the area to make voting even more accessible. These boxes are strategically placed to ensure voters can quickly drop off their completed ballots without relying on postal services.
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Tracking Your Ballot: New Jersey offers a ballot tracking system, so voters in Essex County can check the status of their mail-in ballot online. This feature provides transparency and reassurance that your vote has been received and counted.
