Lawrence League of Women Voters A non-partisan organization, promoting political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government.

Voting in Person & Absentee Ballots

VOTING IN PERSON

Voting is done in person (unless qualified for an absentee ballot) at the polling place in your electoral district.

A sample ballot is mailed to registered voters before all elections (except fire district elections) giving polling places and hours.  If you did not receive a sample ballot by five (5) days before the election, contact the Superintendent of Elections to verify that you are properly registered to vote.  Sample ballots cannot be forwarded, so if you have asked the Post Office to forward your mail around election time, please let the Superintendent of Elections know.

Bring identification to the polls. A picture ID is best, but most documents with your name and address on them will suffice.

First time registrants should receive a voter registration card in the mail.  If you do not receive a card, contact the Superintendent of Elections.

Voting machines are used throughout Mercer County, but write-in votes are permitted for qualified persons. On voting machines you will find a space corresponding to the appropriate office, in which to write or paste the name of the candidate. There is a lever on the left-hand side of the machine to open this space. You must place an (X) in this space as well as the candidate’s name. Voters may ask at the polls for write-in instructions.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS

Applications are available by mail or in person from the county clerk. To obtain a ballot by mail, the completed application must be received by the clerk no later than seven (7) days before the election. State your serial number (if applicable), home address, address to which the ballot should be sent and reason for the request. Sign with the same signature used at the polls. Ballot and instructions are mailed to the voter.

No one receiving an absentee ballot may vote at the polls.

To obtain a ballot in person: within the seven-day period, and until 3 p.m. the day before any election (except fire district), you may vote absentee by going to the county clerk’s office and applying for a ballot. If you are ill or incapacitated, you may send someone as your messenger to obtain your ballot. New Jersey law requires that the ballot be received by the County Board of Elections by the close of Election Day, even for individuals voting from overseas.

CIVILIAN ABSENTEE BALLOT

A registered voter may apply to vote absentee if he or she is:

1. To be out of the state on Election Day,

2. Ill or physically disabled (including blindness and pregnancy),

3. Observing a religious holiday, or

4. Unable to vote because of the hours and nature of employment.

MILITARY SERVICE BALLOT

May be used, whether registered or not, if you are qualified to vote and are:

1. In the military service or a member of the maritime or merchant service, including spouses and dependents,

2. A patient in a veteran’s hospital or

3. A civilian attached to or serving with the Armed Forces out of this state (or a spouse of dependent residing with or accompanying him or her).

A friend or relative may make application for the military service voter by applying to the county clerk. The voter must register when released from the service, however.