League of Women Voters of Maplewood and South Orange A non-partisan political organization, encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influencing public policy through education and advocacy.

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, because your sample ballot verifies that you are properly registered to vote.  Residents who have directed the Post Office to redirect mail to another address during the time of mailing of sample ballots should inform the Superintendent of Elections, because sample ballots cannot be forwarded.

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

Voting machines are used throughout Essex 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 or municipal 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. 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.

Download an Absentee Ballot Application.

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,(including students at college)

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.