VOTER RESOURCES
THREE WAYS TO VOTE
SPECIAL ELECTION DAY
FEBRUARY 5, 2026
SPECIAL
ELECTION
EARLY VOTING
January 29 – February 3, 2026
SPECIAL ELECTION
VOTE BY MAIL
APPLY BY
JANUARY 29TH
Election Information
VOTE BY MAIL
Why You Should Vote By Mail in Essex County?
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.
How to Apply for a Mail-In Ballot
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.
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.
Where Do I Return My Ballot?
Come Back for Updated Drop Box Locations in Essex County, NJ
Secure Ballot Drop Box: Place it in one of your county's secure ballot drop boxes by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day
FIND YOUR NEAREST SECURE DROP BOX TO RETURN YOUR VOTE BY MAIL BALLOTS
How to Register to Vote in Essex County?
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Step-by-step guide for registering online or via mail
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Important dates and deadlines
Voting is one of the most progressive ways to make your voice count in shaping the future of your community. Whether you're a first-time voter or need to update your registration, registering to vote in Essex County, New Jersey, is simple. This Essex County voter registration guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a voter!
What You Need to Register
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1. Online Registration
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2. Register by Mail
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3. In Person Registration
To register in New Jersey, you must be:
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A United States citizen
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At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18
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A resident of the county for 30 days before the election
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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 the United States.
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The registrant must fill out a Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form.
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Send or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to your County Commissioner of Registration, County Clerk's Office, or the Board of Elections.
You are not eligible to register to vote in New Jersey if:
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You are serving a sentence of Incarceration as a result of a conviction of an indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.
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The registration deadline to vote in the next election is 21 days prior to the election day.
Check your voter registration status:
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Is Your Voter Registration Up to Date?
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Don’t leave your vote to chance! Quickly check your voter registration status to ensure you’re ready to vote in Essex County. Verify your details and confirm your eligibility in just seconds.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER
SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION
January 15, 2026
Online Registration
How to register 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
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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. You cannot register online if you cannot provide a digital signature.
Register by mail
Do you meet the New Jersey voter eligibility requirements?
If you meet the requirements to register to vote. Feel free to download the voter registration form and follow the steps to return the application to the Essex County Clerk's Office, Board of Elections, or the Superintendent of Elections/Commissioner of Registration.
Essex County Commissioner of Registration
495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Suite 103. Newark, NJ 07102.
Christopher J. Durkin
Address: Hall of Records, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Suite 130, Newark, NJ 07102
(For regular mail delivery, use P.O. Box 690, Newark, NJ 07101-0690)
Nicole Amos
Address: 495 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dr. Martin Luther King Justice Building, Room 145, Newark, NJ 07102(For regular mail delivery, use P.O. Box 690, Newark, NJ 07101-0690)
In Person Registration
Visit your local Essex County Clerk’s Office to register in person.
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Address: Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.
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Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
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Bring a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or utility bill showing your Essex County address.
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Visit your local Essex County Clerk’s Office to register in person.
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Address: Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Newark, NJ 07102.
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Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM.
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Bring a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or utility bill showing your Essex County address.
VOTER EGISTRATION & VOTE BY-MAIL FAQ
2026 Special Election FAQ
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HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOTE?
Voters can register online, in person, or by mail in New Jersey. To participate in the special election, register by January 29, 2026.
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HOW TO CHECK MY VOTER STATUS?
Voters can check their voter registration status by visiting the New Jersey Voter Information Portal, "Am I Registered to Vote"
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DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR EVERY ELECTION?
No. Once you’re registered, your voter registration remains active unless you move out of Essex County, change your name, or become ineligible. If you didn't vote in the 2025 election and you want to vote in the special election, you must register to vote.
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CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE IF I AM A COLLEGE STUDENT IN ESSEX COUNTY?
Yes! College students can register at their school address or their permanent home address, depending on where they plan to vote.
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WHAT IF I MISS THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE?
Unfortunately, you cannot vote in the upcoming election if you miss the deadline. However, you can register for future elections.
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WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION?
If you’ve recently moved, changed your name, or wish to change your political party affiliation, you’ll need to update your registration. Use the same methods outlined above to make changes.
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HOW CAN I APPLY FOR A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT?
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).
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WHEN WILL VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS BE SENT OUT?
Ballots are mailed out 45 days before the election.
2026 Special Primary Election
December 22, 2025
2026 Special Election General Election
March 2, 2026
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HOW DO I COMPLETE AND RETURN MY VOTE BY MAIL BALLOT?
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).Drop Box (secure locations across NJ, by 8 PM on Election Day).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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DO I NEED AN ID, WITNESS, OR NOTARY TO SUBMIT MY BALLOT?
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.
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CAN SOMEONE ELSE DELIVER MY VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT?
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.
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WHAT IF I DAMAGE OR LOST MY BALLOT?
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.
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WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL ELECTION DATES?
The Primary Special Election Date:
February 5, 2026
The General Special Election Date:
April 16, 2026
EARLY VOTING
SPECIAL ELECTION POLL LOCATIONS
Polling Hours
Monday—Saturday
10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Sunday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
No Appointment Needed
Early Voting Special Election Dates
JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 3, 2026
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SPECIAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING POLLING LOCATIONS
