Voting: A Step-by-Step Guide
In order to vote, you must first register. To register, you must be qualified, and the rules for that can be found here. There are many ways and places to register, including completing and filing a Voter Registration form -- available below. If you have changed your name or your address, you must re-register -- but you may still be able to vote. If you've changed
- your name, you are entitled to vote only in the next election, by signing your registration sheet at the polls with both your previous and new name. After that, you must re-register in your new name.
- your address, you must re-register - using the Voter Registration form - and check off "address change" on the that form. If you have moved within the county since you registered to vote and have not re-registered you have the right to vote by provisional ballot. Your provisional ballot will serve as a registration form. This starts to be complicated; talk to an election official or to the League's voter hotline on 1-800-792-VOTE.
- New Jersey Voter Registration Application (Monmouth County, English)
- Nueva Jersey Solicitud de Inscripción de Votantes (Condado de Monmouth, Español)
Mail-in ballots have replaced (and extended) absentee ballots. To find out more about them -- what they are, how to get one, how to vote using one, read this. To receive your Vote by Mail ballot by mail, your County Clerk must receive your application 7 days prior to the election. You may also apply in person to your County Clerk until 3:00 p.m. the day before the election. You must register at least 21 days before an election to vote. To be safe, have your form delivered -- not postmarked -- by that date.
- Application for Vote By Mail Ballot (Monmouth County, English)
- Solicitud de Boleta Para Votar Por Correo (Condado de Monmouth, Español)
To change your party affiliation (which effects your ability to vote in party primaries), read this, and complete and file this form.
- State of New Jersey Political Party Affiliation Declaration Form (New Jersey, English)
- New Jersey Formulario de Declaración de Afiliación a Partidaria (Nuevo Jersey, Español)
- Forms in Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, and Punjabi, are available here.
Should you be unsure of your registration status, you can check it here.
Mail or file any of these completed forms to the office for your county.
VOTEline
Call 1-800-792-VOTE toll free during business hours for answers to any questions or concerns you may have regarding:
- Voting
- Elections
- Registration
- Government
Election Dates
may be found here. Deadlines to apply for general election mail-in ballots and to file address changes are here.
Going to the polls -- where to vote
If you don't mail in your vote, you'll want to know the location of your local precinct polls. Go here and enter your address to find your polling place. Voting for fire district commissioners is typically at the firehouse. Call your local elections official or the VOTEline (1-800-792-VOTE) should you have further questions or problems.
Voter Identification Requirements
If you're a first time voter, you may be asked to provide ID at the polls. Here is a list of accepted documents, and the rules determining whether you may cast a ballot on the machine, or must cast a provisional ballot.
Voting Information From The County Clerk
The Election Division of the Monmouth County Clerk's office has a new website with helpful information about how to register, where to vote, election results, voting by mail, and many more topics, including how to contact the office for further information or answers to questions. Also available are any forms necessary, with details on where to send them.
You can find them at http://www.monmouthcountyvotes.com/voter-information/voter-registration/