Essential information for voters using absentee ballot

Q: I forgot to register to vote. Can I still vote by absentee ballot?
A: No, you must be a registered voter to vote by absentee ballot.

Q: Why would I vote by absentee ballot?
A: You do not need a reason to vote by absentee ballot in New Jersey. You may want to vote by absentee ballot for a number of reasons including not wanting to travel to your hometown on Election Day, or not being able to make it to the polls on Election Day.

Q: How do I vote by absentee ballot?
A: You must first apply for an absentee ballot. This application can be found online at http://www.nj.gov (“Absentee Ballot Application”), or can be picked up from your County Clerk’s office. A list of contact information for your board of election can be found at http://www.nj.gov (begin by choosing which county you are voting in).

Q: What happens after I fill out the application?
A: Once you have completed your application for an absentee ballot, you must mail it to the County Clerk no later than seven days prior to the election. (October 29, 2008)

Q: Can I stop by the County Clerk’s office and fill out the application?
A: Yes, you may apply for an absentee ballot at the County Clerk’s office in your home county up until 3 PM the day before the election. (November 3, 2008)

Q: Can I fax my absentee ballot application to the County clerk?
A: No, the County Clerk cannot accept faxes, since an original signature is required.

Q: Can I submit more than one application?
A: No, you may only submit one application for an absentee ballot per election.

Q: Ok, so I have already applied for my absentee ballot. What happens now?
A: Your actual absentee ballot will be mailed to you on or after the 40th day prior to the election. You will receive instructions with your ballot on how to fill it out. Remember, the address that you write on the application is the address to which the ballot will be mailed.

Q: When should I send in the absentee ballot?
A: Your ballot must be received by the Board of Elections before the close of polls on Election Day.

Q: What if I want to vote by absentee ballot in every election this year?
A: To do this, you must designate it on the application. You also have the option of voting by absentee ballot for all of the general elections until you request otherwise. These options are clearly stated on the application.