Here is a list of voting and election related resources and important dates, so you are well prepared for the upcoming elections.
Dates to Remember
October 5: Commencement of mailing of mail-in ballots for all registered voters
October 13: Voter registration deadline (21 days before the election)
October 23: Deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot by mail
October 23: Mailing of sample ballots
October 30: Deadline for application to receive mail-in ballots by electronic means for qualified overseas civilian and military voters
November 3: General Election
November 3: Deadline for post office receipt of mail-in ballots and in person submission of mail-in ballots to County Boards of Election
November 10 by 8:00 p.m.: Deadline for receipt of timely mailed postmarked mail-in ballots to County Boards of Election
Election Timeline: https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/chrons/2020-chron-general-election-0828a.pdf
Voting Resources
Hotlines
1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)
Check if you are registered to vote
Track your ballot (you must create an account)
Useful Websites
- ACLU Voting Rights
- Can I Vote National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Created by state election officials with up-to-date national & state-by-state information. Sections: Voter Registration, Find Your Polling Place, Valid Forms of ID, Absentee and Early Voting, Election Official Directory
- CIRCLE Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (Tufts) provides info about voter registration numbers, barriers; oriented toward young people
- COVID-19 election resources
- Essex County Board of Elections
- Fair Elections Center National nonpartisan election reform and voting rights organization
- Federal Election Commission Information about federal election campaign finance law and compliance.
- Federal Voting Assistance Project Absentee voting assistance and verification for service members & their families and overseas citizens. Plus, links to state/territory-specific election & legislative websites.
- League of Women Voters Voter registration & voting info for 50 states, candidate info
- NJ Voter Information Portal
- Overseas Vote Voter services for U.S. citizens overseas and uniformed service members
- Project Vote Smart Sample Ballots by Zip Code. Elected Officials & Candidates voting records, interest group ratings, speeches, campaign contributions, and contact information, current and past ballot measures by date & issue
- A Starting Point A civic engagement video-based app that helps voters better understand the issues of the day.
- Rock the Vote Dedicated to building the political power of young people, Register to vote, check your registration status, and more.
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission Support and information for election administrators
- US Vote Foundation Registration & information, FAQs by state and topic,.
- Usa.Gov Voting Registration & information, Election Day resources, election laws, results,process, and history; State & local Election Offices; FAQs
- Vote 411
- Vote.org – New Jersey Election Center Information and deadlines for absentee voting, early voting, and election day.
- VoteRiders offers free assistance for any eligible voter who encounters barriers to securing his or her ID to vote, including financial and legal help obtaining underlying documents like birth certificates, change of name documentation, etc.
NJ Elections app: Available on Android and Apple devices
Campaign Finance/Funding Information
- Federal Election Commission
Information about federal election campaign finance law and compliance. - Open Secrets
Nonpartisan information about the influence of money on politics. - Project Vote Smart
Sample Ballots by Zip Code. Elected Officials & Candidates voting records, interest group ratings, speeches, campaign contributions, and contact information, current and past ballot measures by date & issue
Population-Specific information and Resources
- AARP Government & Elections
Information targeted at older voters; covers both federal and state elections - Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote
- Military Voters
- National Center for Transgender Equality: Voting Rights
- National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
- National Homeless Coalition
You don’t need a home to vote! - Native Vote
Resources for indigenous people in all 50 states - Resources for Voters with Disabilities
- Rock the Vote
Voter information and engagement resources targeted to the under-30 set, but excellent voter/voting info source for all - State Criminal Re-enfranchisement Laws
- Student Guides: Campus Vote Project
- Study Abroad and Vote! Toolkit
This toolkit provides voter outreach promotional tools and information to American students studying abroad. U.S. students carry their right to vote when they go overseas! Free Overseas Voter Registration and Ballot Request Widget. Includes This toolkit provides voter outreach promotional tools and information to American students studying abroad. U.S. students carry their right to vote when they go overseas! Free Overseas Voter Registration and Ballot Request Widget. Includes a guide for Study Abroad program coordinators with suggestions for use of the toolkit materials. - Ya es hora ve y vota (Spanish language)